Brentford announce €13m Flekken signing as Raya’s agent makes public transfer demand
Brentford have signed Netherlands goalkeeper Mark Flekken from Freiburg with David Raya expected to leave in the coming months.
Flekken began his career in his native Netherlands at RKVV WDZ and Roda before moving to Germany, where he has played for Alemannia Aachen, Greuther Furth, Duisburg and Freiburg.
The 29-year-old made his Netherlands debut in March 2022 and kept 13 clean sheets in 34 Bundesliga matches – the highest tally in the division last season.
The four-year deal, which brings the four-times capped Flekken from Freiburg, is subject to international clearance and a work permit.
“We’re very happy to have signed Mark,” head coach Thomas Frank told the official Brentford website.
“He’s a player with a lot of quality who will strengthen our goalkeeper group.
“He has big experience and joins us after two great seasons with Freiburg, who have just had a top season in the Bundesliga, finishing fifth and qualifying for the Europa League.
“He was a big part of the team there and now he’s coming to us and will hopefully make the group better and the team better.
“He’s a very good shot-stopper and comfortable with the ball at his feet. His distribution is very impressive.”
The transfer is worth €13million (£11.2m), according to Fabrizio Romano.
Brentford boss Frank has said Raya could leave the club this summer after four successful seasons in West London.
Frank has, however, warned interested parties that it will cost them £40m to sign the 27-year-old Spaniard.
Chelsea, Manchester United and Tottenham are all reportedly interested in signing Raya but are reluctant to meet the Bees’ asking price given the fact the goalkeeper is out of contract next summer.
Raya’s agent, Jaume Munell, has told Romano that his client will be happy to leave the Premier League club for nothing in 2024 if they do not lower their asking price.
Munell said: “If Brentford does not lower the price tag for David Raya this summer, we’ll be ready to leave as a free agent in one year.”
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