Goalkeeper Daniel Bentley has left Brentford to join Sky Bet Championship rivals Bristol City. The 25-year-old finalised a move to the South West today, Friday 28 June, after both clubs agreed an undisclosed fee. Daniel departs almost three years to the day after arriving in West London from Southend United.

The Basildon-born stopper quickly established himself as first choice at Griffin Park, missing just one Championship game in each of his first two seasons at the Club. His performances during the 2017/18 campaign, where he set a Club record for clean sheets by a goalkeeper in a single second tier season, saw him beat the likes of Thibault Courtois and Hugo Lloris to the Goalkeeper of the Year prize at the London Football Awards.

Last term, he made a further 33 appearances despite his season ending early due to a shoulder injury picked up during our win away at Middlesbrough in March. In total, Daniel made 125 appearances in all competitions for Brentford, keeping 35 clean sheets.

Thomas Frank, Brentford FC Head Coach, said: “Dan has done a very good job for us over the past three years. He came in and earned his position as first-choice goalkeeper, helping us perform well in the Championship. During my time at Brentford he has been a fantastic professional, and a great character to have around the Training Ground and in the dressing room. This is an opportunity for Dan to enjoy a new challenge and a new adventure in his career. We are sorry to see him go but wish him all the best for the future and look forward to seeing him again soon.”

Phil Giles, Brentford FC Co-Director of Football, said: "As most fans will know, Dan had one year remaining on his contract. With that in mind it makes sense to sell now and reinvest the transfer fee. We have been planning ahead with regards to bringing a new goalkeeper to the club and hope to make some progress soon. On a personal note I'm sad to see Dan leave as he has been a fantastic person and professional during his time here, and I wish him well."

Dan started out at Arsenal before joining Southend and turning professional in 2011. After a loan spell at Braintree Town, he made his EFL debut in September 2012 and had established himself as first-choice by the start of the 2013/14 season. He helped Southend win promotion the following season, saving three penalties in the Sky Bet League Two Play-Off Final win over Wycombe Wanderers. His performances that campaign earned him a place in the PFA League Two Team of the Year and the Football League Young Player of the Month Award for April, a month where he set a Southend record after keeping eight straight league clean sheets.

He joined Brentford the following year after 160 games for The Shrimpers and is now closing in on 300 professional games in all competitions.