Romeo Beckham signs one-year contract with Premier League club Brentford
Romeo Beckham, the son of former England and Manchester United star David Beckham, has signed a one-year contract with Brentford B, the Premier League club announced.
Brentford, whose senior team plays in English soccer’s top division, said the club had an option to extend the deal by an additional year.
The 20-year-old played for the B team last season while on loan from Inter Miami, the Major League Soccer club which is father co-owns, playing 15 times and scoring once.
Speaking to the club, Beckham said of the new deal: “Best feeling, so excited, ready to get started and have a good next season.”
“It’s been such a good experienced and [I have] loved every second of it,” he said of his time on loan at the club. “It’s a good group of boys, good coaches, it’s a nice place to be.”
Brentford B coach Neil MacFarlane said in a statement on the club’s website: “We added Romeo to our squad in January and he’s been fantastic for the group.
“He’s had a terrific end to the season in terms of his recent match against Manchester City where he showed what he’s learned during his loan with us.
“We’ve continued to develop him in and out of possession and we look forward to him coming back in good spirits to continue working with him next season.”
Raya Ponders Next Step in Rising Career
David Raya: Tattoos, Family and Dreams of Glory
The Brentford Goalkeeper’s Journey from Spain to Premier League Stardom
In an engaging and revealing article by Tom Allnutt in The Times, we get an intimate look into the life and career of Brentford’s Spanish goalkeeper, David Raya. From personal tattoos to his deep-rooted ambitions, Raya opens up about his experiences. Let’s dissect the interview and understand what makes this goalkeeper tick.
Tattoos with a Message
One of the most captivating aspects of Allnutt’s interview is how he describes Raya’s tattoos on his right hand. These tattoos comprise an “O”, a clenched fist, a football, and a heart, each with its own significant meaning.
Raya shared with Allnutt that the “O” represents his brother Oscar, who was instrumental in his early footballing days in Pallejà, Spain. The clenched fist signifies the strength that helped him through the challenging times of his move to England. The football, of course, represents his passion and career, while the heart can be seen as a symbol for love for his family and country.
These tattoos are not just ink on skin; they are a perpetual team talk, a reminder of where he’s come from and what he’s fighting for.
Early Days in Spain and the Leap to England
“Oscar played striker or winger so he always put me in goal and I liked it. I went to my local team to play in goal for them and I liked it even more.” Raya reminisces to Allnutt about his brother’s influence.
At 16, Raya made a life-altering move to Blackburn Rovers, which he refers to as a ‘no-brainer’. Despite the struggles of being away from home, not speaking English and missing his family, Raya knew that this was the path to become a professional footballer. His parents supported him wholeheartedly.
Learning the Ropes: Blackburn and Southport
Raya’s early career in England was a roller coaster. As he tells Allnutt, he was introduced to the luxurious side of football at Blackburn but received a stark reality check on loan at Southport, playing in the seventh tier of English football.
“You quickly get used to the good things… At Southport, I had to take my own kit and wash it myself.” Raya explained that this period was pivotal in shaping his career and work ethic.
Shining in the Premier League with Brentford
After establishing himself in Blackburn and moving to Brentford in 2019, Raya has been a revelation. Under Thomas Frank, Brentford finished ninth last season with Raya finishing with the highest save percentage among Premier League goalkeepers.
Even Jürgen Klopp was impressed, saying Raya’s passing was so good he could “wear No 10”.
Ambitions and Future Prospects
In his conversation with Allnutt, Raya doesn’t shy away from discussing the future. With interest from Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United, Raya admits, “I have ambitions to make the next step in my career. I want to try to win titles and to compete in Europe in the next couple of years.” However, he also acknowledges that Brentford’s valuation could be a stumbling block.
Dedication to the Craft
Despite the uncertainty surrounding his future, Raya assures his commitment to Brentford. “I’m a professional,” he asserts, indicating that if he stays, he will continue to give his best.
A Part of Something Bigger
For Raya, his tattoos are symbolic of his journey; from his beginnings in Pallejà to the heights of the Premier League. They are a reminder of the people and the experiences that have shaped him.
