Brentford Football Club has completed the signing of Dango Ouattara from Bournemouth for a club-record fee of £42 million. The 23-year-old winger has signed a five-year deal with the Bees. This move aims to bolster Brentford’s squad following significant changes, including the departure of key players and a managerial change. Interim manager Keith Andrews expressed his delight at securing Ouattara’s signature, emphasizing the player’s qualities and the potential he brings to the team.
In a move that reverberated throughout the Premier League, Brentford Football Club officially announced the acquisition of Dango Ouattara from Bournemouth, sealing the deal with a club-record transfer fee. The dynamic 23-year-old winger has committed his future to the Bees, inking a lucrative five-year contract that promises to keep him at the heart of the Gtech Community Stadium until the summer of 2030.
The financial details of the transfer underline Brentford's ambition and determination to bolster their squad. Reports indicate that the Bees shelled out a staggering £42 million to secure Ouattara's services, marking a significant investment and a clear statement of intent from the club's hierarchy. This figure eclipses all previous transfer records for Brentford, underscoring the high expectations surrounding the young talent.
Ouattara's arrival at Brentford comes on the heels of an impressive Premier League campaign with Bournemouth last season. During his time with the Cherries, the versatile winger showcased his attacking prowess, netting seven crucial goals and providing four assists in 32 appearances. His energetic performances and ability to create goal-scoring opportunities quickly caught the eye of numerous clubs, but it was Brentford who ultimately won the race for his signature.
However, Brentford have experienced a period of significant change in recent months. With former manager Thomas Frank departing for a new challenge, Keith Andrews has stepped into the managerial hot seat, tasked with guiding the team through a transitional phase. Furthermore, key players such as Bryan Mbeumo, the team's leading scorer, and Christian Norgaard, the club captain, have also bid farewell to Brentford, joining the ranks of Manchester United and Arsenal, respectively. Adding to the squad upheaval, goalkeeper Mark Flekken has also departed, securing a move to Bundesliga side Bayer Leverkusen.
The acquisition of Ouattara is viewed as a strategic move to mitigate the impact of these departures and inject fresh impetus into the team's attacking options. With Yoane Wissa also rumored to be seeking a move away from the club, amid interest from Newcastle United, Ouattara is poised to play a pivotal role in Brentford's plans for the upcoming season.
Interim manager Keith Andrews expressed his delight at securing Ouattara's signature, emphasizing the player's qualities and the potential he brings to the team. Andrews highlighted Ouattara's Premier League experience, his versatility, and his ability to excite the fans, emphasizing his belief that the winger will quickly become a firm favorite among the Brentford faithful.
"We're really happy to get Dango in," Andrews told the club website. "He's someone that we were aware and surprised could be available and, once we knew that signing him might be a possibility, we really focused on trying to get him in."
"We liked his Premier League experience, even at his young age, and he just hasn't found the rhythm yet because of a lack of consistent gametime."
“He also suits the way we want to play. He has something that we were lacking in the forward line, and he will complement what we already have in the building.
“The fans will love him; he’s the type of player that they will get off their seat for.”
Ouattara himself expressed his excitement at joining Brentford, stating his determination to make a significant contribution to the team's success. He acknowledged the challenges ahead, but emphasized his confidence in his ability to adapt to the club's style of play and form a strong connection with his new teammates. Ouattara's arrival at Brentford signifies a new chapter for both the player and the club, with high hopes and expectations surrounding their partnership.