March 24 – Premier League club Brentford have entered into a strategic partnership with Portuguese side Gil Vicente, aiming to bolster player development, performance, and operational expertise.
As part of the new agreement, Brentford hosted a delegation from the Primeira Liga club in west London this week, marking the first official engagement under the collaboration.
Gil Vicente staff visited Brentford’s Gtech Community Stadium and the Robert Rowan Performance Centre, participating in workshops with their English counterparts covering recruitment, coaching, performance analysis, communications, marketing, and fan engagement.
The partnership is designed to foster cross-border knowledge sharing and practical collaboration, offering both clubs a platform to refine their football strategies while exploring new approaches in player development and club operations.
Both clubs positioned the alliance as a mutually beneficial venture in a competitive European landscape increasingly shaped by strategic alliances and multi-club collaboration models, but stopped short of announcing any formal links between squads or player trading.
The deal is Brentford’s latest step in expanding their global football network and enhancing their performance environment without entering full multi-club ownership territory.
Brentford technical director Lee Dykes said: “Football is always evolving, and one way to improve is by sharing knowledge.
“Gil Vicente has a proud history and are well-respected for their youth development, their resilience and their community spirit. This visit is an opportunity to exchange ideas, challenge each other, and most importantly, to learn.
Gil Vicente president Rui Silva added: “A partnership with a club competing in the world’s most challenging league represents a unique opportunity to elevate our structure.
“Brentford has been a reference in data, player recruitment and development, as well as in its relationship with fans. These values align perfectly with our vision for the future of Gil Vicente.”
Contact the writer of this story, Harry Ewing, at moc.l1743089163labto1743089163ofdlr1743089163owedi1743089163sni@g1743089163niwe.1743089163yrrah1743089163