Brentford ‘Agree Deal’ with Bundesliga Side Over Summer Move | OneFootball

Mark Flekken Nears Bayer Leverkusen Move as Brentford Weigh Up Replacement

According to Sky Sports, Bayer Leverkusen have reached an agreement with Brentford for the transfer of Dutch goalkeeper Mark Flekken. The 31-year-old, who arrived in West London only last summer, is now expected to join forces with Erik ten Hag in Germany.

This move marks a swift turn in Brentford’s goalkeeping plans, and although Flekken endured a mixed debut season in the Premier League, he remained a key figure for Thomas Frank’s side.

Flekken Departure Signals Busy Summer Ahead

“Bayer Leverkusen have reached an agreement with Brentford for the transfer of goalkeeper Mark Flekken,” reported Sky in Germany, a move that underlines Leverkusen’s intent to strengthen further following their unbeaten Bundesliga-winning campaign.

Photo IMAGO

Flekken, previously with Freiburg, had his moments at Brentford, combining solid shot-stopping with assured distribution. Yet, questions over his command of the box and a few high-profile errors led to speculation about his long-term future. With Brentford finishing in the bottom half and conceding 65 goals, it’s no surprise the club are looking to retool.

His departure also reunites him with Erik ten Hag, who is reportedly set to take the reins at Leverkusen following Xabi Alonso’s exit. The link between Dutch football’s modern guard continues to shape transfers across Europe.

Kelleher Topping Brentford’s Replacement List

With Flekken’s exit all but sealed, Brentford have already turned to Liverpool in search of a replacement. Sky Sports News reports that, “Brentford have approached Liverpool for Caoimhin Kelleher as a potential replacement for Flekken.”

Kelleher, valued at £20 million, has long been viewed as the best No.2 in the league. His cool temperament and clean distribution have impressed in limited opportunities behind Alisson Becker. But the 26-year-old now craves first-team football — and Brentford could offer that platform.

However, the Bees are not alone in their pursuit. “They face competition from West Ham and Leeds for the 26-year-old,” Sky Sports adds. All three clubs are in need of a reliable keeper, and Liverpool’s valuation reflects both his pedigree and potential.

Brentford’s Strategic Challenge

Brentford’s recruitment model has long been admired for its data-driven, forward-thinking approach. Replacing Flekken will be less about reputation and more about tactical fit — and if Kelleher is the profile they want, they may need to act decisively in what’s becoming a competitive market.

They must also weigh the cost. Spending £20 million on a goalkeeper is a significant outlay for a club like Brentford, even if the investment is for a long-term No.1.

Photo: IMAGO

Leverkusen’s Project Gains Momentum

Meanwhile, Flekken becomes a part of a growing Leverkusen project that shows no signs of slowing down. With a new manager incoming and Champions League football secured, the German side are positioning themselves as more than a one-season story.

In Flekken, they gain experience, Bundesliga familiarity, and a goalkeeper who thrives in a passing system, all vital as they look to consolidate their success.

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For Brentford fans, Flekken’s exit doesn’t come as a total shock, but it does leave a gap that must be filled quickly and smartly.

Flekken had his critics, but he also had moments of quality. His distribution allowed Brentford to build from the back, and he played a vital role in Thomas Frank’s system. That said, inconsistency was always a concern. Losing him to Leverkusen may actually be a chance to upgrade in goal.

The links to Kelleher are exciting. Here’s a goalkeeper who’s been learning from the best at Liverpool and who deserves to be a starter. He’s agile, composed, and has Champions League experience under his belt. However, £20 million is steep. For a club like Brentford, every investment needs to hit, and Kelleher would need to deliver from day one.

What’s clear is that the club must act fast. With pre-season looming and a competitive market for keepers, standing still won’t be an option. The Flekken sale is smart business, but only if the next move matches the ambition.