London, UK — Brentford head coach Thomas Frank has disclosed that Super Eagles midfielder Frank Onyeka left the club due to limited playing time, prompting the Nigerian’s move to FC Augsburg in the German Bundesliga. The loan deal was finalized just before the closure of the English transfer window, ending Onyeka’s three-season stint with the Premier League side.

Onyeka, who joined Brentford in 2021, struggled to secure a regular starting position at the Gtech Community Stadium. Despite being part of the team during their successful campaigns in the English top-flight, the 25-year-old midfielder found himself playing a secondary role, often coming off the bench rather than being included in the starting lineup.

Speaking on Onyeka’s departure, Brentford boss Thomas Frank emphasized that the midfielder was eager for more consistent playing time, which the club was unable to offer. “Frank wants to play week in, week out as a starter; this is a good opportunity for him to do that. He has been a big part of our success, and I can’t praise him enough for that in every aspect,” Frank said in a statement published on Brentford’s official website.

Brentford Faces Squad Depth Challenges

Onyeka’s exit leaves Brentford with concerns over their squad depth, particularly in midfield. The club is already dealing with a limited roster, and the departure of star striker Ivan Toney to Saudi Arabia has further compounded these issues. Toney’s replacement, Thiago Rodrigues, is currently sidelined with an injury and is not expected to return until December, leaving Brentford with fewer options as they navigate the demanding Premier League season.

Despite these challenges, Brentford has had a promising start to the 2024-25 EPL campaign, securing victories in two of their first three matches. However, the team’s resilience will be put to the test on Saturday when they face reigning champions Manchester City, managed by Pep Guardiola.

Brentford supporters will be hoping that the club’s early success can continue, even as they grapple with the potential impact of a thin squad and the loss of key players. Meanwhile, Onyeka will be looking to make the most of his opportunity at FC Augsburg, where he hopes to play a more prominent role and continue his development as a central midfielder.