Brentford manager Thomas Frank has admitted that goalkeeper David Raya looks likely to depart the club this summer.
The Spain international has one year left on his contract and has no intention to extend his deal. He had previously agreed personal terms with Tottenham Hotspur, but they chose to look elsewhere as they were unwilling to pay his £40m asking price.
Brentford have signed goalkeeper Mark Flekken in anticipation of Raya’s exit, but whilst interest in Raya has seemed to quieten down for now, he may still leave in this window.
Frank has now admitted that Raya could leave, amidst all the noise surrounding his future in West London, having been asked if his goalkeeper could exit this summer.
“Yes. We know he’s been the talk of the town, the last three months. Of course that could happen,” he stated.
Can Flekken replace Raya?
Flekken, who joined earlier this summer for around £11m, was impressive at Freiburg last season, and could be another example of Brentford’s impressive scouting, particularly as he can be the ideal stylistic replacement for Raya.
Like Raya, Flekken excels with the ball at his feet, whilst also recording strong shot-stopping statistics. In fact, FBref has labelled Flekken as the goalkeeper most similar to Raya out of all possible options in Europe.
Raya’s desire to leave, as well as his contract situation, had put Brentford in a difficult position over his future, but the signing of Flekken has now eased most concerns over the goalkeeping roster at the club. All indications point towards Flekken starting the season with Brentford and Raya heading towards the exit.
If Brentford now receive an offer close to their valuation, they could sell Raya for a huge profit having already secured his replacement at a much lower price.