The Billion-Dollar What-If: Brentford's Near-Miss Dream Team That Could've Changed the Premier League

Near-miss signings that could have changed Brentford's season

Brentford owner Matthew Benham shed light on a string of deals that never came to fruition, deals that might have given the club a stronger push in the Premier League.

Benham described these opportunities as "losses you regret," noting the club had come close to signing several notable young talents over the years, including Omar Marmoush, Eberechi Eze, Michael Olise, and Mykhailo Mudryk.

He explained that some of these moves could have been completed for modest sums, such as signing Eze for £4 million in 2019 and bringing Marmoush in on a free transfer around three years ago.

He also revealed that Mudryk was on the verge of a deal around €20 million before he later moved for about €80 million, despite Mudryk currently serving a suspension for a doping violation.

Regarding Olise, Benham said the club rated him very highly, but broker fees at the time prevented the deal, even though some in the leadership believed it could have gone ahead if agent and transfer costs had been combined.

Benham concluded that missed opportunities remain part of the club's learning curve, shaping future talent scouting and deal-making strategies.

The disclosure comes as Brentford continues to perform well in the Premier League, sitting high in the standings and reflecting improved management and a willingness to learn from past experiences.

Punchline 1: If transfer fees had a GPS, Brentford would stop chasing shadows.

Punchline 2: Hindsight in football is 20/20, but the receipts still stare you in the face at €80 million.