Ethan Laidlaw Leaves Brentford for Falkirk Transfer

Ethan Laidlaw has completed a permanent move from Brentford B to Scottish Premiership side Falkirk.

The 21-year-old leaves Brentford after three seasons in west London, having joined the club from Hibernian in 2023. His move to Falkirk gives him the chance to step properly into senior football after a strong final campaign at B-team level.

Brentford confirmed the deal in an announcement via their website. Laidlaw finished the season as one of the most productive players in Neil MacFarlane’s group. The forward recorded 15 goals and 10 assists, form that also saw him named Brentford B Players’ Player of the Year.

Laidlaw’s final season was his strongest at Brentford B level. The forward recorded 15 goals and 10 assists, form that saw him named the team’s Players’ Player of the Year.

His move to Falkirk now gives him the chance to test himself in senior football, with the Scottish side preparing for life in the Premiership.

Speaking as part of the announcement, Brentford B head coach Sam Saunders said the timing was right for the forward to move on.

“It’s a good opportunity and a good time for Ethan to go and test himself in men’s football after he proved himself capable in the PDL,” Saunders said.

“He was one of our strongest performers throughout the whole season, won the Players’ Player of the Year, so it’s the right time now to go and try the next step.

“He’s been brilliant since he signed for the club, last season was without a doubt his standout season. Always coachable, always likeable and he’ll be missed next season, but we wish him all the best.”

Laidlaw’s departure also shows how Brentford’s B-team model can work beyond first-team promotion. Not every player will break into the senior squad at the Gtech, but the pathway can still help players build enough value and experience to earn permanent opportunities elsewhere.

His final season made the decision clearer. Laidlaw was not leaving as a player still waiting to show what he could do. He had produced goals, assists and consistency, then earned a move to a club where the next challenge is immediate.

Brentford lose one of the leading players from their B-team campaign, but Laidlaw leaves with his development pointing towards senior football rather than another year at the same level.