(Credit: Brentford on Youtube / Hasan Karim - Breaking Media)

Aasif Rahman

Sun 3 August 2025 14:57, UK

Brentford’s latest announcement regarding Nathan Collins sparked a wave of reaction from former players across social media.

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It’s been a summer of significant change at Brentford, marked by multiple high-profile departures, but most notably manager Thomas Frank, who left to take over at Tottenham, replacing Ange Postecoglou.

Rather than look externally, the club opted for continuity by promoting from within, appointing former set-piece coach Keith Andrews to lead the team through what has become a major summer rebuild.

Several key players have also exited the club, with Bryan Mbeumo making the move to Manchester United and Christian Norgaard joining Arsenal.

Now, Brentford’s latest update concerning Collins has prompted further discussion, as yet another shift takes shape at the club.

(Credit: Hasan Karim, Breaking Media)

With Norgaard’s departure, Brentford were left needing a new club captain, and their latest announcement has confirmed that Collins will wear the armband for the 2025/26 season.

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The club shared the news via their official Instagram account, which quickly saw reactions from several former players, including Mbeumo and Ben Mee, both of whom liked the post.

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The Republic of Ireland international is no stranger to leadership responsibilities as he previously captained his national side and became Stoke City’s youngest-ever skipper at just 18 years old.

Since his early rise at Stoke, he has gained valuable Premier League experience with Burnley and Wolves before joining Brentford in 2023.

During the 2024/25 campaign, Collins stood out as the only outfield player in the Premier League to play every single minute of the season for the Bees.

Across his 38 appearances, he delivered a series of commanding performances as Brentford secured a 10th-place finish.

(Credit: Manh Tung, Breaking Media)

As Brentford continue their squad overhaul, yet another potential exit is looming, this time involving Yoane Wissa.

Football Insider revealed Newcastle are lining up a fresh bid to sign Wissa, who has made it clear he wants the move to St James’ Park.

The Magpies have already seen an initial bid rejected, and the forward has reportedly taken the bold step of refusing to train with the first team in order to force through a transfer.

Football Insider also reported on 15 July that Brentford are demanding £50 million for Wissa, particularly after already losing Mbeumo this summer.
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