Brentford are reportedly close to signing Red Bull Salzburg defender Jannik Schuster in a deal worth around €20million.
Brentford are reportedly closing in on a deal to sign Red Bull Salzburg defender Jannik Schuster.
According to Fabrizio Romano, the Bees are close to completing an agreement for the 19-year-old centre-back, with a verbal club-to-club agreement in place. The deal is said to be worth around €20million, with Romano adding “here we go, soon” as the move edges closer.
Schuster is an Austrian youth international who plays as a centre-back for Salzburg. He is 19, stands at 1.90m and is under contract with the Austrian club until 2028.
The move would fit Brentford’s recent recruitment pattern. The club have consistently targeted young players with resale value, athletic profiles and room to develop, while still looking for signings capable of contributing quickly at Premier League level.
Schuster would arrive from a Red Bull Salzburg setup that has developed a strong reputation for producing players ready to step into bigger leagues. He came through the Salzburg pathway after joining from FC Liefering, with the Austrian club confirming in 2024 that he had signed a contract running until June 2028.
From a Brentford perspective, the profile makes sense. Keith Andrews’ side have relied on physicality, aggression and defensive organisation this season, but strengthening at centre-back would add further depth before a potentially important summer.
Brentford have already shown they are willing to invest in younger defenders if the right opportunity appears. Schuster’s age means he would not need to be viewed only as a short-term solution, but the reported €20million package also suggests Brentford believe he could become an important part of the squad.
There is still a need for caution until the deal is formally completed. Romano’s update points to an agreement being close rather than officially done, and Brentford have not announced the signing.
Even so, the report is a significant development. If completed, Schuster would become another long-term addition to a squad already built around a blend of emerging talent and Premier League experience.
For Brentford, this looks like proactive summer planning. With the club still pushing for the strongest possible finish this season, a move for Schuster would suggest work is already well underway to strengthen Andrews’ squad for the next step.