Brentford Close In on €20m Deal for RB Salzburg Defender Jannik Schuster
Brentford are finalizing a €20m move for RB Salzburg defender Jannik Schuster, with an agreement nearing completion according to Fabrizio Romano.
Brentford are on the verge of securing their first major summer signing with a deal for RB Salzburg centre-back Jannik Schuster reportedly close to completion. The Bees have been tracking the 22-year-old Austrian defender for several months and have now accelerated their pursuit after receiving positive signals from the player's camp.
Schuster Emerges as Top Defensive Target
According to transfer insider Fabrizio Romano, Brentford have reached a broad agreement with Salzburg over a package worth around €20 million, including add-ons. The deal would see Schuster become the club's record signing for a defender, surpassing the £17m paid for Nathan Collins in 2022.
Schuster has enjoyed a breakout season in Austria, making 32 appearances across all competitions and establishing himself as one of the Bundesliga's most promising young defenders. His composure on the ball, aerial prowess, and ability to play out from the back align perfectly with Thomas Frank's tactical requirements.
Why Brentford Need Defensive Reinforcements
The west London club are preparing for the departure of veteran centre-back Pontus Jansson, who is expected to leave this summer after four seasons at the club. Additionally, Ethan Pinnock's injury record has prompted Frank to seek younger, more durable options. Schuster's arrival would provide competition for Collins, Ben Mee, and Kris Ajer, while also offering a long-term successor to Jansson.
Brentford's recruitment team has a proven track record of identifying undervalued talent in the Austrian market, having previously signed Kevin Schade from Freiburg (via a loan) and Aaron Hickey from Bologna. Schuster fits the profile of a high-potential player who can develop under Frank's tutelage.
Deal Structure and Timeline
The €20m fee is structured with an initial payment of €15m plus €5m in performance-related bonuses. Salzburg have insisted on a sell-on clause, but Brentford have managed to keep it under 15%. Personal terms are not expected to be an issue, with Schuster keen to test himself in the Premier League.
Medical tests could be scheduled as early as next week, with an official announcement expected before the end of the month. Schuster would become Brentford's second signing of the window after the acquisition of goalkeeper Mark Flekken from Freiburg.
What This Means for Brentford's Summer Plans
With Schuster's arrival imminent, Brentford can now focus on other priorities, including a creative midfielder and a backup striker. The club's recruitment team is also exploring opportunities in South America, with a potential move for Fluminense midfielder Andre Trindade gaining momentum.
For the Bees, this transfer demonstrates their ambition to build on last season's impressive ninth-place finish. Schuster's addition adds quality and depth to a defence that conceded 50 goals in 38 matches, aiming for a more solid foundation to challenge for a top-half finish once again.