Jayden Meghoma reveals how Rangers loan prepared him for Brentford return

Jayden Meghoma says he has returned to Brentford a "different player" after an eventful loan spell at Rangers, with the young defender determined to establish himself in Keith Andrews' plans for the 2026/27 Premier League season.

After spending the previous campaign in Scotland, where he gained regular first-team football and European experience, the 20-year-old has rejoined the Bees for pre-season training in Portugal. Meghoma believes the challenges he faced at Ibrox have prepared him for the next stage of his development.

Meghoma made 44 appearances for Rangers across all competitions during the 2025/26 campaign, contributing one goal and six assists while featuring in both the Scottish Premiership and the UEFA Europa League.

Reflecting on his season away from west London, the left-back admitted the experience brought both positive moments and difficult periods but believes it has made him a stronger player.

"It was an experience, to be honest with you. There were highs, there were lows; enjoyable moments and not-so-enjoyable moments. But, at the end of the day, it was really good for me and I think I've come back a different player."

One of the biggest lessons Meghoma took from his loan spell was adapting to the expectation that comes with representing one of Scotland's biggest clubs.

The defender explained that playing for Rangers demanded a different mentality, with constant pressure to perform and deliver results.

"I learned a lot, to be honest with you. I learned about the pressures of the game and certain scenarios."

"The pressure is a lot, so I learned to deal with that in different ways. After a while, you get used to it. The initial phase can be a shock for some players but, for myself, I kind of enjoyed it and embraced it."

The England youth international believes embracing those expectations has left him better equipped for the demands of Premier League football.

Now back with Brentford, Meghoma's attention has shifted towards impressing new head coach Keith Andrews during the club's pre-season training camp in Portugal.

The Bees have been put through demanding double training sessions as preparations continue for the new campaign, with Meghoma describing the programme as physically, mentally and tactically challenging.

"It has been really good. It has been a good test for myself."

"Being mentally, tactically and physically prepared for that is what pre-season is about. For myself, it is definitely pushing all three elements."

The left-back is hoping the hard work will earn him a regular place in Andrews' squad once the Premier League season gets underway.

"Right now, for us, it is about preparing properly and getting ourselves into the best physical condition possible. For myself, it is about keeping pushing on, trying to break through and making sure that I cement myself in the team."

Brentford will continue their pre-season preparations in Portugal before turning their attention to the start of the 2026/27 Premier League campaign. Meghoma will be aiming to build on the progress made during his year at Rangers and convince Keith Andrews that he is ready to become a regular member of the Bees' first-team squad.