Brentford today completed the signing of long-term transfer target, Ollie Watkins, from Exeter City. The Bees fought off interest from a host of other Championship clubs for the striker’s signature, including the likes of Leeds United and Nottingham Forest, and are believed to have paid in the region of £1.4m (plus add-ons) for one of League Two’s brightest prospects.
The deal will no doubt include a healthy sell on clause for The Grecians, who will deserve whatever they get for cultivating a local lad ready for football at a higher level – and it is the Bees’ record of allowing young talent to go on and flourish and not stand in their way when, or if, a top flight opportunity arrises, as long as the club’s valuation is met, that would have played a factor. Both Exeter City and Ollie Watkins would have been aware of that, not to mention the set up in West London.
Watkins’ first team record at Exeter has been impressive, scoring 21 goals in 68 appearances. The Torbay-born 21-year-old had joined the club’ academy at the under-11 stage before making his way through the ranks. Watkins made his League debut in May 2014, however, it was a loan spell at Weston-super-Mare later 2014-15, where he scored 10 goals in 24 appearances, which signalled he was ready for a longer run in side back at Exeter. He never looked back.
Brentford’s interest in the player started over a year ago and he was linked with a move to the Bees prior to our League Cup defeat at St James Park last August – the Directors of Football have kept tabs on the player ever since and are delighted to have made their fifth signing of the summer with the new season still more than three weeks away – it is believed that that is business done as far as incoming players are concerned.
But with a month of the transfer window to go, and with question marks hovering over several of our existing squad, Bees fans can expect plenty of news to come – Beesotted will be investigating the latest situation on those players in the coming days and will write a report ASAP.
In the meantime, we all welcome Ollie Watkins to Griffin Park and there is a really palpable level of excitement growing as we approach the opening fixture against Sheffield United. With two decent home friendly fixtures on the horizon, against Southampton this Saturday, July 22, then Celta Vigo on Saturday July 29, I’m sure there will be plenty of Bees heading down to get their first taste of Dean Smith’s upgraded team.
All together now; “Olé, Olé, Olé,Olé… Ollie! Ollie!”
Dave Lane & Billy Grant
