Defender Josh Stephenson has been promoted to Brentford’s first team.

The centre-back, who was named Brentford Under-21s Player of the Year last season, has also joined Sky Bet League Two side Crewe Alexandra on loan. He will spend the first half of the 2026/27 season with Lee Bell’s side.

Brentford head coach Keith Andrews said: “Josh was Player of the Year for the B team last season and stepped up into the first-team space over the summer.

“After being involved with us during pre-season, the next stage for him is to go and gain invaluable first-team experience.

“There was plenty of interest in Josh throughout the summer, but we felt Crewe was the right opportunity for him to go and expose himself to regular first-team action.

“He’ll have to go there and earn that right, and we’ll be keeping a close eye on him.”

Stephenson joined Brentford B in November 2024 following his departure from Millwall, where he had captained the club’s Under-18s side.

The defender made an immediate impact in west London and played a key role during a successful 2024/25 campaign.

He featured prominently as the young Bees reached the Premier League Cup final, with his individual run through the Southampton defence setting up Caelan Avenell during a 2-0 semi-final victory.

Stephenson was also part of the side that lifted the Professional Development League national title following a 3-2 win over Bournemouth.

The centre-back took on an increased leadership role during the 2025/26 campaign and was named captain.

He also provided a threat at the other end of the pitch, scoring six goals and registering five assists across his 30 appearances.

Among those strikes was a powerful header against former club Millwall and a long-range effort in a 2-1 victory over a Monaco side featuring Paul Pogba and Ansu Fati.

Stephenson’s performances were recognised at the end of the campaign when he was named Brentford Under-21s Player of the Year.

On Stephenson’s progression, Brentford B head coach Sam Saunders said: “Josh was a really big part of our B team last year, captaining the side that went on to do really well.

“We’re really pleased for him. He’s another player who has come through the B team and is now going to go and experience the Football League.

“Hopefully, he can showcase the skills we feel he has. It’s another step in his development and we wish him well.”