Crewe Alexandra have signed the Brentford left-back Josh Stephenson on loan until January 2027.
The 20-year-old joined Brentford's academy from Millwall in 2024 after turning down three contract offers. He has since become a mainstay of the Bees' B team and under-21 side, and was named the under-21s' Player of the Year last season as they reached the final of the Premier League Cup.
Stephenson, who can also play at centre-back, was named in three Premier League matchday squads and two FA Cup squads for Brentford's first team last season but is yet to make a senior appearance.
The move resolves a pathway question that had hung over him since June, when Brentford said he would either be integrated into head coach Keith Andrews' first-team squad or sent out on loan. He was also offered a new contract running to 2028, with the club holding the option of a further year, as part of his promotion into the senior picture this summer.