Brentford corner flag
Image credit: Getty Images
Former Arsenal academy graduateJosh Dasilva has extended his stay at Brentford, signing a new deal that keeps him at the club until the end of the season, with an option for an additional year.
The midfielder’s previous contract expired over the summer, but Brentford kept him on to continue his rehabilitation from a serious knee injury sustained in February 2024. His new agreement is both a show of faith in his recovery and a reward for his contributions since joining the Bees six years ago.
Head coach Keith Andrews was instrumental in ensuring Dasilva remained part of the squad. “I’ve been keen to get this done and had discussions with Phil Giles around it, stressing the importance of Josh to the group,” Andrews explained.
“He’s someone that I’ve involved a lot around the next chapter of where we’re going with the club and the steps we need to make.
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“Josh is someone who really understands Brentford Football Club and he’s a really intelligent young man who cares about the club – I don’t think we should forget that. “But, ultimately, we want to get him back on the grass because, if we get him back to the level he was at, he’s going to be a major asset for us.”
Dasilva first joined Brentford in 2018 after spending 12 years in Arsenal’s youth setup. He quickly became a vital figure in midfield, particularly during the 2019/20 Championship season, when he scored ten goals in 43 appearances to help the Bees reach the play-off final, narrowly losing to Fulham.
Josh Dasilva (Image credit: Getty Images)
However, injuries have repeatedly halted his progress. A long-term hip problem sidelined him for much of 2021, while subsequent hamstring and ACL injuries further disrupted his momentum.
Now 27, Dasilva is determined to make another comeback. “It’s been a long journey, but I can’t thank the club enough for giving me this opportunity,” he said after signing his new deal.
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“I don’t know how many clubs would have given a player this opportunity to carry on. It’s been hard, but I’m very thankful for it, and I just can’t wait to be out there enjoying my football with the boys and putting on the shirt again.”
Opening up about his struggles, Dasilva revealed the extent of his injuries: “I did my ACL, MCL and meniscus in early February 2024, and then I had to have another operation six months later, and then another operation eight months later. This is why it’s been a minute since I’ve been on the pitch.
“It’s been hard, obviously with a lot of uncertainty, but the club have helped me tremendously and obviously my faith, friends and family as well. It’s been hard, but I’ve enjoyed it.”
The midfielder is now targeting a return to full training within the next month, with hopes of rejoining the first-team setup during the upcoming international break.
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