Brentford confirms arrival of Milambo: 'He can become really, really good'

Brentford reached an agreement with Feyenoord for a transfer fee of twenty million euros, with an additional five million in performance-based bonuses and a percentage of any future sale.

This deal paved the way for Antoni Milambo to finalize his move to the Premier League, marking a significant milestone in the young midfielder’s career and a strong statement of intent from the West London club.

Milambo, just 20 years old, is widely regarded as one of the most promising Dutch midfield talents of his generation. Having spent over a decade at Feyenoord, where he joined the academy at a young age, he rose steadily through the ranks and made his first-team debut while still a teenager. Despite his youth, he demonstrated maturity, vision, and a natural ability to control the tempo of games qualities that quickly caught the attention of clubs across Europe.

Technical director Lee Dykes praised the club’s long-term scouting efforts and the strategic thinking behind the signing. “We’re absolutely thrilled with the arrival of Milambo,” Dykes said on Brentford’s official website. “We’ve been following Antoni for several years and have closely monitored his development in Feyenoord’s first team. He’s a player who has the technical qualities, football intelligence, and physical potential to adapt and thrive in the Premier League. We’re confident that he will become a very valuable player for us in the years to come. He has the potential to become really, really good here in England.”

Brentford’s head coach Keith Andrews echoed Dykes' excitement and emphasized the qualities that make Milambo such a unique addition to the squad. “I love the way he drives forward with the ball,” Andrews said. “He’s dynamic, confident in possession, and has the quality to beat defenders in one-on-one situations. He’s also a real threat near the goal and brings creativity that will add another dimension to our midfield. He’ll complement the players we already have it’s about integration now. We need to help him adapt to the rhythm, physicality, and pace of the Premier League, but he’s shown a strong mentality and a desire to learn. I’m really looking forward to working with him and helping him grow.”

The signing of Milambo marks the second major outgoing transfer for Feyenoord this summer involving a Premier League club. Just days earlier, left-back Quilindschy Hartman was officially presented by Burnley, while last year, Feyenoord sold midfielder Mats Wieffer to Brighton & Hove Albion. These moves reflect both the strength of Feyenoord’s development pipeline and the continued interest from English clubs in top-tier Eredivisie talent. With Milambo’s exit, the Rotterdam side is expected to reinvest in its youth system and explore potential reinforcements before the new season begins.

Milambo’s move to Brentford also places him in an evolving squad undergoing a period of transition. At his new club, he will join fellow Dutchman Sepp van den Berg, who arrived from Liverpool and has become an important figure in the defense. Dutch goalkeeper Mark Flekken, who played for Brentford last season, recently completed a move to Erik ten Hag’s Bayer Leverkusen another sign of Brentford’s role as a stepping stone to Europe’s elite. Additionally, former manager Thomas Frank left the club to take the reins at Tottenham Hotspur, prompting a reshuffle within Brentford’s technical and coaching staff.

The arrival of Milambo signals that Brentford remains committed to its identity as a club that blends data-driven scouting with intelligent recruitment of young, high-potential players. With a long-term five-year contract in place, Milambo will have the time and support needed to grow into a key player. The club views him as part of its strategic future someone who can not only contribute on the pitch but also grow in market value.

The Dutchman’s journey now enters an exciting new chapter. From developing at De Kuip to stepping onto Premier League pitches, Milambo has the opportunity to make a name for himself on one of football’s biggest stages. With the right support and environment, Brentford believes they’ve secured a star for the future.