Brentford have signed goalkeeper, Mark Flekken from SC Freiburg in a £11.2m transfer.
Flekken’s move to Brentford comes after the Dutch international managed 13 clean sheets in 34 Bundesliga matches for Freibug this season, more than any other goalkeeper in Germany’s top-flight as Freiburg finished fifth in the league table.
Brentford subsequently activated his £11.2m release clause with Flekken joining on a four-year contract until June 2027.
“We’re very happy to have signed Mark,” commented Brentford’s Head Coach – Thomas Frank on securing Flekken in light of the serious possibility that David Raya could be sold to a big-name club this summer.
Explaining the decision behind Flekken’s move, Frank added: “He’s a player with a lot of quality who will strengthen our goalkeeper group.
“He has big experience and joins us after two great seasons with Freiburg, who have just had a top season in the Bundesliga, finishing fifth and qualifying for the Europa League.”
Frank also spoke of how Flekken can improve the squad as he continued: “He was a big part of the team there and now he’s coming to us and will hopefully make the group better and the team better.
“He’s a very good shot-stopper and comfortable with the ball at his feet. His distribution is very impressive.”
Brentford’s First-Team Goalkeeping Coach, Manu Sotelo further expanded on Frank’s comments about Flekken’s ability, as he said: “He will fit very well with our style of play.
“His strengths on the pitch are his quality on the ball, his agility as a shot-stopper, and his space awareness as a sweeper keeper and in defending crosses.
“His personality and leadership qualities are perfect for our culture. We are delighted to have him with us.”
Flekken meanwhile paid tribute to Freiburg for their support as he commented: “I would like to thank the people in charge who have placed their trust in me over the years. My time at the sports club has shaped me and I am grateful to be able to experience this as an athlete and as a person.”
Flekken also spoke highly of Frank in his first interview as a Brentford player, as he said: “He’s a really, really good guy and a great coach, as I’m hearing from everywhere, so I’m looking forward to meeting him more closely.
“He told me that I would be a perfect fit for the club over here and that I would fit in really well. I’m really looking forward to playing my part here.”
Flekken also addressed what fans can expect from him in goal next season, as he added: “I’m a ball-playing goalkeeper. I try to bring calmness into the squad and I’ll always try to direct the guys in front of me – I’ll help them to help me.
“The only way to achieve as much as possible is together, so that’s one of the key things I want to bring.”
Freiburg’s Sporting Director, Jochen Saier added that Flekken had committed to their “clear perspective” throughout his time with the club.
Saier proceeded to praise the 29 year-old for his performances as he added: “He didn’t let setbacks throw him off track, and we put our trust in him in difficult phases – that’s what unites us. Mark has been a strong backbone of our team over the past two years.
“We would like to thank Mark for his work on and off the pitch and for the successful time together at the sports club. We wish him all the best for his move to London.”