Brentford enter the 2026-27 Premier League season under Keith Andrews, who impressed in his first full campaign but ultimately missed out on European qualification on the final day, drawing at Anfield while Brighton lost to Manchester United. Guardian writers predict a slightly improved eighth-placed finish this season, though the club faces the challenge of replicating last term's overachievement without the leadership of Jordan Henderson, who has left for Chelsea. Striker Igor Thiago, whose prolific scoring drove much of the team's success, will be central to their hopes again despite a dip in form towards the end of last season.

Thiago scored 22 Premier League goals last season, second only to Erling Haaland, earning a World Cup call-up with Brazil, though he managed just one goal in his final six matches. Brentford have bolstered their attack with free-agent signing Callum Wilson and Jaidon Anthony from Burnley. Off the pitch, the club posted a £21m loss in the 2024-25 accounts, Thomas Frank's last season in charge, though this was offset by the sales of Bryan Mbeumo and Yoane Wissa; the club has also brought in new minority shareholders including Sir Lucian Grainge and is exploring extra revenue through live music events at the Gtech Community Stadium.