Defender, Mathias Jørgensen has signed a new one-year contract at Brentford with option for a further season.
Jørgensen better known as ‘Zanka’ joined Brentford on an initial one-year contract last September from Fenerbahce and managed just one goal in 10 appearances in an injury-hit campaign, as he helped the Bees avoid relegation in their first season in the Premier League.
The Danish centre-back however missed the final weeks of last season with an adductor injury but remained with the club over the summer break to focus on his recovery, which included participation in pre-season.
Brentford officials have consequently decided to hand him a new one-year contract with the option of a further season, which could see him remain with the Bees until June 2024 if the extension is activated next summer.
Manager, Thomas Frank explained that it had always been the club’s intention to extend Jørgensen’s contract with a new deal and is “happy” that terms between club and player have been agreed,.
Frank also explained the reasons behind the club’s decision to hand Jørgensen a new deal, as he said: “He did very well for us last season in the games he played and was fantastic around the group as an experienced player.
“He is unique in what he gives off the pitch. He gives the group a lot when he is playing and when he isn’t, with small pieces of advice to younger players and pushing everyone in training.”
On why the club waited this long before completing the contract negotiations, Frank added: “He picked up quite a big injury in April and we needed to make sure he was back to his fitness level.
“We have been assured of that in pre-season. He played around 75 minutes in a behind-closed-doors game earlier this week against Premier League opposition. He is in a good place and we have signed him.”
Jørgensen plays for Denmark in international football where he has earned 35 caps and scored twice for the Danes, plus was part of the squad who reached the semi-finals of UEFA Euro 2020 last summer where they lost to England in extra-time.
Jørgensen could make his return to first-team action for Brentford in Saturday’s West-London derby clash away to Fulham at Craven Cottage in an untelevised 3pm kick-off.