Romelle Donovan: Brentford's young star set to be fast-tracked into first team | OneFootball

The new signing is now considered a first-team player by the Bees

Young star: Romelle Donovan

Getty Images

New Brentford signing Romelle Donovan has been fully integrated with the first team, and the club have no plans for him to play for their B team next season.

Donovan had impressed on a six-month loan with Brentford B in the second half of last season, scoring 11 goals and providing 10 assists in just 15 games.

The Bees moved decisively to ensure he stayed in West London, with the 18-year-old attacking midfielder signed outright on a five-year deal with an option for a further year.

The club’s board considered him a first-team signing, and he has since been fully integrated with the first team squad.

Standard Sport understands they have no plans for Donovan to drop back down to the B team in the upcoming season. He will be a first-team player — while a stint out on loan has not been ruled out.

Brentford chiefs are using Yunus Emre Konak as a barometer for the Englishman’s progress. 19-year-old Konak joined the club in January 2024 on a deal lasting five and a half years with an option to trigger an additional 12 months. The Turk initially featured in B-team squads and first team squads but has since become a fully-fledged first-team player.

Donovan’s time with the B team finished when his loan spell was made permanent.

“When Romelle arrived on loan in January, we knew he was a talented player with potential, but it’s fair to say that in his time with us he’s exceeded our expectations,” director of football, Phil Giles, said when Donovan’s permanent signing was announced.