Transfer Centre

Brentford weighing up Brandon Vazquez move?

By Ben Sully | 21 December 2023

Brentford are reportedly weighing up a potential move for USA international Brandon Vazquez, who currently plays for MLS side FC Cincinnati.

Brentford are reportedly interested in FC Cincinnati forward Brandon Vazquez.

The Bees are bracing themselves for a fight to keep hold of star striker Ivan Toney when the transfer window opens in January.

Although Toney is currently serving an eight-month ban for breaching betting regulations, his suspension is set to expire in the middle of next month.

With Toney closing in on a return to competitive action, he continues to attract interest from the likes of Arsenal and Chelsea.

Brentford technical director Lee Dykes recently admitted that the 27-year-old could be on his way out of the club "very shortly".

Brentford's Ivan Toney celebrates scoring their first goal on February 11, 2023 © Reuters

Toney's uncertain future has forced Brentford to scour the market for potential replacements in case the England international does move on in the new year.

Even if Toney remains with Thomas Frank's side, they may still look to strengthen their forward line, with Bryan Mbeumo sidelined for three months and Yoane Wissa set to represent DR Congo at the Africa Cup of Nations.

According to TEAMtalk, Cincinnati's Vazquez is one of the names that is being considered as a possible target for the January window.

The report claims that clubs from Spain, Germany and France are also keeping tabs on the forward after he netted 17 goals in 40 competitive appearances during the 2023 season.

Vazquez helped Pat Noonan's side win the Supporters' Shield, before they were ultimately beaten in the Eastern Conference finals by Columbus Crew.

United States forward Brandon Vazquez (19) celebrates after scoring a goal on June 24, 2023 © Reuters

Since joining Cincinnati from Nashville in the 2019 Expansion Draft, Vazquez has registered 43 goals and 15 assists in 127 matches across all competitions.

While the striker's current deal runs until December 2025, Cincinnati have the option to extend his contract by a further 12 months.

Having spent his entire playing career in Mexico and the USA, Vazquez's lack of experience in European football appears to be one of Brentford's main concerns.

As the Bees weigh up whether to pursue a deal for Vazquez, they are also believed to be in the market for a versatile attacker and a new defender.