Brentford’s record signing Dango Ouattara credits the club’s African stars for smoothing his transition to Premier League football, revealing how former players Yoane Wissa and Bryan Mbeumo inspired his promising start. The Burkina Faso international, who joined from Bournemouth for £42 million in August, has become the latest African talent to thrive with the Bees following the departures of Mbeumo to Manchester United and Wissa to Newcastle.
Ouattara shared insights from his conversations with DR Congo forward Wissa, who emphasized Brentford’s unique player-focused environment. “I was fortunate to connect with him briefly, which proved beneficial,” Ouattara told BBC Sport Africa. “He highlighted the club’s supportive staff and their close relationships with players—something I’ve now experienced firsthand.”
The 23-year-old winger has made an immediate impact at Brentford, scoring three goals and winning four penalties—the highest tally in the Premier League this season. His contributions have helped maintain the club’s competitive edge despite losing last season’s prolific duo. Wissa had delivered 19 goals and 4 assists before his £50 million move to Newcastle, while Mbeumo contributed 20 goals and 7 assists prior to his £65 million transfer to Manchester United.
Ouattara particularly admires Wissa’s achievement of nearly 20 non-penalty goals last season: “Whether African or not, their performances inspire all strikers.”
The transition period under new manager Keith Andrews has been smoother than many anticipated. Following Thomas Frank’s departure to Tottenham after seven successful years, Andrews has maintained team cohesion with his attentive approach. “He’s genuinely supportive,” Ouattara noted. “Even before I played, he was there for me—that meant a lot.”
As Ouattara prepares for his third Africa Cup of Nations appearance with Burkina Faso, he acknowledges the leadership of captain Bertrand Traore. The Sunderland forward’s calm authority and selective communication have created a balanced squad dynamic. “He speaks when he has something positive to contribute,” Ouattara explained.
Burkina Faso begins their Afcon campaign against Equatorial Guinea on Wednesday, with potential knockout stage meetings against former Brentford teammates Mbeumo’s Cameroon and Frank Onyeka’s Nigeria.