Brentford midfielder Ethan Brierley targeted by Huddersfield in EFL race

Brentford’s midfield talent Ethan Brierley is the latest Premier League player facing a move as Huddersfield lead the race to sign him from the Bees. The 22-year-old, who impressed on loan at Exeter City last term, now faces a summer transfer tug-of-war in the EFL.

Who is Ethan Brierley?

The all-action midfielder arrived at Brentford in summer 2023 after cutting his teeth at Rochdale. His first season at the club saw him loaned to Exeter City, where he made 47 appearances as the Grecians suffered relegation from League One. Back at Brentford, an automatic one-year contract extension was triggered, tying him to the club until next summer - but that hasn’t deterred interest from Championship rivals.

Why Huddersfield want Brierley

Huddersfield finished ninth in League One last season but have now set their sights on a swift return to the Championship. According to Football Insider’s Pete O’Rourke, the Terriers are at the front of the queue for Brierley’s signature. O’Rourke wrote on X: “Huddersfield are leading the race to sign Brentford midfielder Ethan Brierley. Brierley, 22, impressed on loan at Exeter last season. A number of EFL clubs have shown an interest in Brierley, but Huddersfield are determined to land the player.”

Brierley’s profile fits the Terriers’ style - a box-to-box presence comfortable in both defence and attack. When Brentford signed him, then-B Team boss Neil MacFarlane labelled him a “terrific talent” with a relentless drive to improve. “He has a real eagerness to improve himself every single day out on the grass,” MacFarlane said. “He comes to us having played men’s football at a young age.”

What happens next for Brentford?

With Brierley’s Brentford contract running until summer 2027 unless a release clause is activated, the Bees face a decision. Do they cash in now or keep faith in a player they see as a key piece of their long-term project? The club’s current standing - 4th in the Premier League with zero points after two matchdays - adds urgency to any squad reshuffle.

Brierley’s Brentford future remains uncertain as the window tightens. The Bees, chasing their first top-flight title challenge in over 80 years, must weigh up whether to sell or hold firm on a player they once described as “an all-round midfielder who will handle the ball.”