Brentford have signed right-back Michael Kayode from Fiorentina on loan until the end of the season, with an option to make the move permanent for around £14m in the summer. The move is subject to international clearance.
Kayode, 20, played a key role in Fiorentina’s journey to the UEFA Conference League final last season, making 37 appearances in all competitions. The signing represents something of a coup for Brentford, with Kayode winning the Italian Golden Boy award in 2024 for the best Italian player under 21.
The Bees have long sought additional help in the full-back positions, with Aaron Hickey, Rico Henry and Kristoffer Ajer all having missed significant time out due to injury. Mads Roerslev has at times struggled for form this season, with Sepp van den Berg and Nathan Collins also having filled in at right-back.
Brentford director of football Phil Giles said: “Michael is a player that we think will suit Brentford and the physical nature of the Premier League very well.”
Giles expects Brentford to take up the option to buy in the summer. He said: “The structure of the deal gives us the chance to integrate him into the squad and Premier League football before we look towards making the deal permanent from the summer.”
Kayode excited to get started
Kayode, who has been capped three times by Italy under-21s and scored the winner for their under-19 side in the 2023 European Championship final, was delighted to have completed the move to west London.
“I’m so excited because I wanted to come here so much,” he said. “I think Brentford is the perfect club for me. I love the stadium, the fans and my team-mates.”
“I want to work match by match but my dream with Brentford would be to help them reach European competitions next season.”
“I had a conversation with Thomas Frank and I love his ideas. He loves to press and to take the ball – I think he is a fantastic coach.”
When asked what fans at the Gtech Community Stadium could expect from him, Kayode said: “I’m fast and strong. I like to give a lot of help to my team-mates, I like to advance as a full-back.”
Kayode’s fbref.com scouting report reflects this, showing a dynamic full-back that progresses the ball up the pitch and is unafraid to get stuck into a tackle.
Frank happy to get some help
Brentford boss Thomas Frank was pleased that the club were able to bring Kayode in, marking their first signing of the January window.
“A very good signing I think,” said Frank. “Really like him, very happy that we managed to sign him to give us more depth in the full-back positions. I think he’s very talented, fantastic physical package.”
“Good abilities to keep going forward. Very good defensively. Of course, young and needs to be developed. He hasn’t played much this season but last season he more or less played a full season at Fiorentina.”
However, Frank confirmed that Kayode will not be available for Sunday’s game away to Crystal Palace, as he will not have the required international clearance by then.
Brentford travel to south London in 11th place, one position and one point ahead of their opponents Palace, as they head into the second half of the season looking to turn a decent campaign into a great one.
The post Brentford announce signing of right-back Michael Kayode from Fiorentina appeared first on Sports Gazette.