Jaidon Anthony returns to London as Brentford seal £15m deal for Burnley forward

Jaidon Anthony is heading home. The 26-year-old former Arsenal academy product has signed for Brentford from relegated Burnley in a deal worth £15m, potentially rising to £17m with add-ons, on a four-year contract with an option for a fifth. Anthony, who contributed nine goals and four assists in 38 appearances last season, could not prevent the Clarets from dropping straight back to the Championship. But for the London-born forward, this move represents a return to his roots and a chance to play in the Premier League under Keith Andrews. "We've been aware of Jaidon's journey for a long, long time and have always admired him from afar," Andrews said. "He did really well last season, which is difficult in a team that got relegated. After meeting him, it became very evident that he'd fit into the culture of the club and add to the squad." Anthony left Arsenal in 2016 without a senior appearance, later making his name at Bournemouth after loan spells at Weymouth and Leeds United. He joined Burnley on loan in 2024, and the move was made permanent last summer for an £8m obligation-to-buy clause after the Clarets won promotion. But relegation has triggered an immediate exit, and Anthony now becomes Brentford's second major signing of the window after defender Jannik Schuster arrived from RB Salzburg for up to £16m. The Bees narrowly missed out on European football, finishing ninth on goal difference, and open their Premier League campaign against Tottenham. Burnley, meanwhile, begin life back in the Championship at home to West Ham on 16 August. As for Anthony, Andrews sees significant room for growth: "He still has so much more room for growth and improvement, and we're really looking forward to working with him."