Brentford FC today is a Premier League dark horse operating on a “Moneyball”, model with data-driven signings like Ivan Toney, David Raya or Bryan Mbeumo. However, the history of “The Bee” is far more intriguing secrets.
This West London transit hub was once a proving ground or a brief pit stop for many high-profile stars. Some went on to become Big 6 legends, others became national team heroes.
Here are 7 famous names you have probably forgotten – or never even knew – once wore the red and white stripes of Brentford.
1. Wojciech Szczesny
If you ask any Arsenal or Juventus fan about the early days of Wojciech Szczesny’s career, most will only remember his time starting at the Emirates. But in reality, the Polish goalkeeper’s true introduction to English football happened down in the third tier (League One).
In November 2009, Arsene Wenger sent a 19-year-old Szczesny to Brentford on loan. Across 28 appearances, he instantly displayed the arrogance and reflexes of a world-class shot-stopper. The absolute peak was a miraculous double-save from close range against Leeds United – a moment that veteran “Bees”, fans still talk about today. This invaluable loan spell helped him mature massively.
Fast forward to today, after a brief retirement in 2024, the veteran keeper is now guarding the net for FC Barcelona.
2. James Tarkowski
James Tarkowski is currently the unofficial captain and irreplaceable rock in Everton’s defense. But before making a name for himself at the Premier League with Burnley and Everton, Tarkowski was a young talent unearthed by Brentford.
Joining Brentford from Oldham Athletic in 2014, Tarkowski quickly became the primary defensive anchor at Griffin Park. His performances were so consistent that Burnley paid his release clause of €4.00m to secure him in 2016.
Few would have guessed that an aerial dominant, hard-tackling center-back like Tarkowski was once a crucial puzzle piece in a possession-heavy side like Brentford.
3. Ezri Konsa
Aston Villa fans consider Ezri Konsa one of their greatest bargains in recent years, and former manager Gareth Southgate even handed him starts for the England national team. However, many have forgotten that Konsa had a brilliant breakout season in a Brentford shirt (2018-2019).
Brought in from Charlton Athletic to replace Chris Mepham, Konsa took barely a year to prove his superior class in the Championship. His blistering pace, composure on the ball, and game-reading ability captivated manager Dean Smith.
As a result, when Dean Smith took the Aston Villa job, the very first signing he demanded the board bring to the Premier League was none other than his former Brentford pupil.
4. Stuart Dallas
Mentioning Stuart Dallas brings to mind a modern-day Leeds United legend, the tireless hero in Marcelo Bielsa’s chaotic tactical system. But Leeds wasn’t the first English club to discover the Northern Irishman’s talent.
In 2012, Brentford took a gamble on signing Dallas from Crusaders in Northern Ireland. During his three years in West London (2012-2015), Dallas struggled initially to adapt to the intensity of English football, even going out on loan to Northampton Town.
Through sheer willpower, he eventually cemented his place as a starting winger and played a crucial role in helping Brentford reach the Championship play-offs in the 2014/15 season. He later moved to Leeds, forging a legendary career before a severe knee injury forced him into an emotional retirement in April 2024.
5. Ollie Watkins
When mentioning Ollie Watkins today, people immediately think of a formidable Premier League center-forward. But before enjoying the limelight at Aston Villa, he spent years grinding it out in the Championship in a Brentford shirt.
Joining the “Bees” in 2017 from Exeter City, Watkins was initially just a wide player. However, he was molded by the coaching staff and completely transformed into a lethal number 9. His peak in West London was the 2019/20 season – where Watkins exploded with 26 goals, scooped the Championship Player of the Year award, and almost led Brentford to promotion.
That devastating form forced Aston Villa to break the bank and take action. In September 2020, the Villa Park outfit decided to shatter their club-record transfer fee at the time, splashing out a massive £33 million to secure his signature. And it was truly an investment worth every penny.
In the unforgiving environment of the Premier League, Watkins continuously elevated his game. He became the club’s primary goalscoring machine, peaking when he spearheaded the attack to help Aston Villa brilliantly secure a historic Champions League ticket. Furthermore, he etched his name into history with a stunning goal that sent England to the Euro final.
Even though he is a global superstar now, Watkins’ tactical foundation and killer instinct were undeniably forged by Brentford’s “Moneyball”, machine.
6. Will Grigg – The Global Musical Phenomenon
“Will Grigg’s on fire, your defence is terrified!”
This chant was the most viral cultural phenomenon of Euro 2016.
Everyone knows the Northern Irish striker in a Wigan Athletic shirt, where he scored fateful goals. But did you know Will Grigg was once on Brentford’s payroll?
Brentford signed Grigg in the summer of 2013 after he had an explosive season at Walsall. However, the “on-fire”, striker’s time at Griffin Park was a forgettable drought. He only managed to score 4 goals in 36 appearances and was quickly shipped out on loan to MK Dons before being sold to Wigan.
It was a failed signing for Brentford, but it laid the groundwork for the football world to gain an unforgettable melody.
7. Chris Mepham
Chris Mepham is currently a solid Championship defender playing for West Bromwich Albion (after joining in August 2025) and a staple for the Wales national team that participated in the 2022 World Cup. However, few remember that Mepham is actually one of the most successful homegrown products of the Brentford academy.
After being rejected by both Chelsea and Queens Park Rangers for being “too small”, as a kid, Mepham was welcomed by Brentford at age 14. Rising from the youth ranks to the first team, he developed into a tall, composed center-back with excellent ball-playing skills.
His impressive displays forced Bournemouth to shell out a massive £12 million in 2019 to secure this gem – generating a huge profit for the “Bees”, youth system.
