Transfer Centre

Brentford identify Mark Flekken as David Raya replacement?

By Ben Sully | 28 March 2023

Brentford identify Flekken as Raya replacement?

Brentford reportedly identify Freiburg goalkeeper Mark Flekken as a potential replacement for David Raya, who is being linked with a move away.

Brentford have reportedly identified Freiburg goalkeeper Mark Flekken as a potential replacement for David Raya.

The Spaniard is Brentford's undisputed number-one goalkeeper, but he has entered the final 18 months of his contract.

Raya recently revealed that he has rejected two contract offers from the Bees, before hinting that he could leave the club in the summer.

Last month, Raya told The Athletic: "I turned down two contracts, one last year and one this January. They weren't the offers we were looking for. I can only say that.

"I have a contract here, so I'm willing to finish that, but you never know what's going to happen in the summer. Maybe the club wants to sell, maybe not. Maybe I want to stay. I want to focus on football and see what happens.

Brentford's David Raya celebrates after the match on January 14, 2023 © Reuters

"I have big ambitions. I want to play in Europe and I want to fight to win a title. I want to fight to win a European title. I trust myself to be able to play in those types of games."

With the likes of Tottenham Hotspur, Manchester United and Chelsea showing an interest, Brentford have indicated that they would be looking to receive around £30m for the 27-year-old.

Thomas Frank's side have already begun searching for a possible replacement, and according to Kicker, Flekken has been identified as a potential option.

The report claims that there is some doubt about whether Brentford will be an attractive enough proposition for Flekken.

The Bees would be able to offer a higher salary and the eighth-placed side are currently in contention for European football.

Brentford manager Thomas Frank looks on on March 11, 2023 © Reuters

However, chances of playing in Europe next season are higher with Freiburg, who are sitting in fourth position in the Bundesliga table.

Flekken has never competed in the Champions League and the prospect of competing in Europe's premier club competition could persuade him to stay with the German club.

Freiburg's sporting director Klemens Hartenbach has stated that the Netherlands international must decide his future before the end of the season.

"It shouldn't go on until May," Hartenbach said. "We would like to have clarity from Mark beforehand and thus planning security."

Hartenbach refused to comment on speculation that Flekken has a €13m (£11.4m) release clause in his Freiburg contract.