Vitaly Janelt
Central Midfielder · Brentford · Germany
About Vitaly Janelt
Vitaly Janelt is a German midfielder who has made nearly 200 appearances for Brentford (ENG) since his £500k arrival from Bochum in 2020. A product of the RB Leipzig academy, he helped Brentford (ENG) win Championship promotion in 2021 and has been a consistent Premier League performer. He won the 2021 UEFA European Under-21 Championship with Germany and acquired Bosnian citizenship in 2025, potentially opening a new international avenue.
Vitaly Janelt's story
Hamburg & RB Leipzig Academy
Born in Hamburg (GER) on 10 May 1998, Janelt came through youth systems at Bargfelder SV, SSC Hagen Ahrensburg and Hamburger SV before joining the RB Leipzig academy in 2014. He developed into a professional at VfL Bochum from 2017, making 53 appearances in the 2. Bundesliga.
Brentford's Bargain Buy
Brentford (ENG) signed Janelt from Bochum for around £500,000 in October 2020 — one of their most value-laden transfers in recent history. He played 41 league games as Brentford (ENG) won the 2020-21 Championship title and earned Premier League promotion. By 2026 he had made close to 200 Brentford (ENG) appearances.
Germany U21 & Bosnian Citizenship
Janelt won the 2021 UEFA European Under-21 Championship with Germany, featuring as a substitute in all four matches including the 1-0 final victory over Portugal. He has no senior Germany caps. In March 2025 he acquired Bosnian citizenship, sparking speculation about a potential switch to represent Bosnia and Herzegovina at senior level.
Did you know?
- 💰 Brentford paid approximately £500,000 for Janelt from Bochum — he has since made nearly 200 appearances and his estimated market value is around €20m.
- 🏆 Janelt won the 2021 UEFA European Under-21 Championship with Germany, coming on as a substitute in all four matches including the final against Portugal.
- 🇧🇦 Janelt acquired Bosnian citizenship in March 2025, potentially allowing him to represent Bosnia and Herzegovina at senior international level after never earning a senior Germany cap.
Honours
- UEFA U21 European Championship: 2021 — Germany U21
- Championship Play-off Winners: 2021 — Brentford
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