Credit: Imago

Chris Smith

Mon 18 August 2025 9:09, UK

Brentford could face a defensive crisis as Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United join the list of teams pursuing Nathan Collins.

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The Bees have endured a nightmare summer so far, with manager Thomas Frank, top scorer Bryan Mbeumo, captain Christian Norgaard and goalkeeper Mark Flekken all leaving the club.

It could get worse, with Newcastle and Liverpool chasing striker Yoane Wissa.

To compound matters, Brentford made a poor start to the new Premier League season, losing 3-1 away at Nottingham Forest on Sunday — going 3-0 down before half-time with some wretched defending.

Football Insider revealed recently (August 10) that Brentford are likely to dig in and keep Collins amid interest from Liverpool.

However, their resolve may be tested much further now, with the Mail’s Mike Keegan reporting that Man United and Spurs are now also targeting a move for the centre-back — who was named captain ahead of the new season.

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Thomas Frank will hope he has an edge in convincing Collins – who was slammed by ex-PGMOL chief Keith Hackett for his yellow card on Sunday — given their familiarity together at the Gtech Community Stadium.

Meanwhile, Man United have already spent over £200million this window — including signing Mbeumo from Brentford — and would need to offload a few players before doing further business.

Republic of Ireland international Collins is key to Brentford’s hopes of remaining competitive this season, having finished first among his teammates in the 2024/25 Premier League in a host of key metrics — including aerial duels won (117), blocks (77) and clearances (226, FBref).

Given how much Brentford have already received in transfer fees this summer, the club are under no pressure to sell, and it’s hard to imagine the 24-year-old pushing to force a move through after just receiving the captain’s armband.

Yoane Wissa’s Brentford stats in the 2024-25 season (Credit: Imago)

Football Insider verdict

Though from the penalty spot, Andrews will have been relieved to see Igor Thiago finally score his first Brentford goal on Sunday, following an injury-ravaged debut season at the club.

However, that effort’s 0.79 xG accounted for over half his side’s total (1.50, FotMob) at the City Ground, in a performance that was problematic at both ends of the pitch.

The Bees need clarity over the future of Wissa, who scored 19 Premier League goals last season and was second at the club only to Mbeumo.

Whether he stays and can be relied on to improve his side’s prospects, or leaves for a Champions League outfit and allows Brentford to find a replacement, there needs to be a swift solution.

Andrews has been open about that fact and addressed it once again at full-time on Sunday, when Wissa was left out of the Brentford squad due to the ongoing speculation.

“It’s a day-by-day one in terms of Wiss,” Andrews said (BBC).
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