Mads Roerslev has left Brentford after six years, signing permanently for Southampton. On paper, he departs having made 146 appearances for the Bees – 94 of those in the Premier League – but the numbers only tell half the story.
When Mads arrived from Copenhagen in 2019 and started out with the B team, nobody expected he’d become such a big part of our journey. Yet by the time he leaves, his name is etched into our Premier League history. His finest hour came at Wembley in the 2021 play-off final against Swansea. That driving run and inch-perfect pass to Emiliano Marcondes for our second goal was pure magic – one of those moments that will live forever and one of the greatest moments of my life following Brentford.
Since then, he’s been the definition of a dependable squad player. He may not have been a star name, but he stepped in when needed and delivered – whether that was scoring against Chelsea in a fiery west London derby or netting a winner against Aston Villa. Brentford director of football Phil Giles even called him “one of the best signings we have ever made,” pointing to his pathway from B team to first-team regular.
That said, football can be ruthless. If we want to kick on in the Premier League, we probably do need better quality in that position and we have choice this season with Hickey, Kayode and Ajer. It’s not personal – Mads gave everything, and I’ll always be thankful. But there’s no room for sentiment at this level, as we’re seeing week after week.
So, good luck Mads. You were part of all the big moments that got us here. Underrated by many, loved by plenty, and always committed in red and white.
Dave Lane
