Brentford ready to sanction goalkeeper deal in January amid update on Vitaly Janelt contract stalemate

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Evening Standard

·28 November 2025

Brentford ready to sanction goalkeeper deal in January amid update on Vitaly Janelt contract stalemate

Bees goalkeeper has interest from several EFL clubs ahead of January transfer window

The 22-year-old is part of Keith Andrews’ squad, but has yet to play in the first team this season, with Caoimhin Kelleher and Hakon Valdimarsson ahead of him in the pecking order.

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Cox, who is attracting interest from several EFL clubs, is highly thought of at Brentford, who still envisage a first team future for the Sutton-born shot stopper.

The England youth international spent a time on loan at Crawley Town last season, having made 34 appearances for Bristol Rovers during the 2023-24 season and was rewarded with a call-up to the England Under-21s squad during the August and November international breaks last year.

Cox signed a six-year contract after joining Brentford in 2022 and was quickly promoted to the first team.

Matthew Cox is highly regarded at Brentford

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Despite Standard Sport reporting last week that discussions had taken place over a new deal for Brentford midfielder Vitaly Janelt, an agreement has still yet to be reached.

Janelt, whose contract expires next summer, is free to negotiate a pre-contract agreement with foreign clubs in January.

Andrews reiterated last week that he wanted the 27-year-old to stay at the club and brought him off the bench during Brentford’s 2-1 defeat to Brighton last weekend.

"I've had discussions with Vitaly. Vitaly is pretty clear on my thoughts that I would like him to stay,” Andrews said before Brentford’s trip to Brighton.

“I like what he is about as a player and a person; he's been a real glue around the football club. He knows the landscape of this club really well and has achieved a lot. This football club has been good for him as well.”