The Daily Mail claim Brentford have won the race to sign Oxford United defender Erion Zabeli, beating competition from the likes of Leeds United, Rangers, Southampton and other European clubs to land the teenage Oxford talent.
Zabeli, 18, had failed to make his senior debut for Karl Robinson’s old side – a team where saw Lew Bate impressed on loan last season. But, he was a crucial part of Oxford’s run to the FA Youth Cup quarter finals during 2022-23.
Born in London, Zabeli is now in with a shout of becoming the third Albanian to play in the Premier League – behind ex-Southampton loanee and Chelsea striker Armando Broja, as well as ex-Sunderland and Marseille man Lorik Cana.
The report claims Leeds, Rangers and Southampton all wanted to sign the talented defender, but Thomas Frank has swooped to bring Zabeli back to his birth place. Brentford have waved goodbye to ex-Leeds man Pontus Jansson.
Brentford beat Leeds and Rangers to sign Oxford defender Erion Zabeli
It is good to see that while Leeds will be in the market for a number of new, senior players under Daniel Farke this summer – the club are still looking to improve their options at Under-21 level. This is after gaining PL2 promotion.
The 21’s secured an instant return to the top flight of PL2 football after relegation in 2022, thanks to a play-off win over Nottingham Forest. Zabeli could have joined to be a part of that, but will join Brentford’s esteemed B-team.
A side that includes the son of David Beckham, in Romeo. Leeds have got plenty of work to do as Farke completes 24 hours as the club’s official manager. New signings need to be made, and plenty need to go before August 6.
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