Frank admits Bees will struggle to keep Raya

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Thomas Frank admits Brentford would need to qualify for the Champions League in order to keep David Raya at the club at the end of the season.

The Spain international goalkeeper has been instrumental in the Bees’ rise from the Championship to the Premier League since signing from Blackburn in 2019.

But his contract ends next year and he has rejected offers of a new deal.


Manchester United and Tottenham are among the clubs to have been linked with Raya – and Brentford have been looking for a replacement as they expect to sell him.

“I think we need to get into the Champions League and then he will reconsider (re-signing),” Bees head coach Frank said.

“I love David as a keeper I think he is fantastic. But of course I am biased as I work with him every single day. I really believe he is one of the best in the Premier League.

“Right now he is a Brentford player and been a big part of our success, so let’s see what happens in the summer.”

Frank insists the club won’t be held to ransom – and expect to net a huge fee for Raya.

“If someone wants to come in and buy him then he will be very expensive. For me, it would have to be £40m-plus,” Frank said.

The Dane added: “We are luckily enough so prepared in every position, so whatever happens we can at least contact a player.

“It’s not always that they want to come to us, but we will do our best to persuade them. But we are prepared for any scenario.”