Brentford have signed defender, Nathan Collins from Wolves for a club-record undisclosed fee.
Collins’ move to Brentford comes just under one year since he joined Wolves from Burnley, where he delivered consistent performances across 31 appearances in a tough campaign for the Old Gold.
Collins has signed a six-year contract until June 2029 with a club option for a two-year extension, which would see him stay until June 2031.
Speaking about his decision to join the Bees after just one season at Wolves, Collins commented: “It feels good. It’s been going on a while now so I’m happy we’re over the line.”
Brentford finished ninth in the Premier League last season and just two points off European qualification, which has left Collins excited about the club’s future as he added: “I talked with the manager and a few of the backroom staff about the project here. It’s a club on the rise and I can see where they want to go. It’s exciting to be here.”
On what he can bring to Brentford’s defence, Collins quipped: “I like to play football. I want to dribble, play and create. It starts at the back. I can play long balls and short balls. But, at the end of the day, I’m a defender and I have to head the ball, win it and win my challenges.
Collins will reunite with his ex Burnley teammate, Ben Mee, having kept clean sheets in two matches when they were paired together in central defence for the Clarets during 2021-22 season before Mee became assistant manager following Sean Dyche’s sacking in April 2022.
The 22 year-old revealed that he kept in contact with Mee following their departures from Burnley, as he explained: “I’ve been texting him a little bit. He’s been helping me out. He helped me out a lot at Burnley when I first went in there. He’s a legend.
Collins also teased what lies ahead for Mee after his playing career ends as he joked: “He was good [as caretaker assistant manager]! We won a few games under him, so he might have a career there!”
Mee meanwhile hailed Collins as an old head on young shoulders”, to which Collins attributed his maturity to his family.
Reflecting upon his family’s impact upon his personality, Collins said: “My grandad played and managed in Ireland and two of my uncles played and had good careers.
“My dad had a good career as well, my brother’s played professionally in Ireland, and two of my cousins have played professionally.
“My little sister plays Gaelic, and my little brother is playing football as well. The list goes on!
“Whenever me and my brother were playing anything – it didn’t matter what it was, it could be PlayStation, football or swimming – he’d always beat me, and I could never hack it! I always wanted to play again! I learnt the hard way.”
Collins ultimately credited his brother most as he continued: “As I mentioned, I have an older brother who was always beating me at things, so I learned from him.
“My family has always been involved with football, so I’ve learned from them and done what they’ve told me. It’s got me this far!”
“I’m very pleased that we’ve managed to sign Nathan,” commented head coach Thomas Frank who described Collins as “a very talented centre-back and still young.”
Frank proceeded to praise Collins for his defensive attributes as he explained: “He has a lot of very good abilities that we value a lot. He’s a composed and calm defender. His heading in both boxes is a big thing, both in open play and from set-pieces, which is massive in the Premier League.
“I also like his ability on the ball. He can carry the ball out of defence and also has the composure to find the right pass during build-up play.”
Collins’ attitude and leadership qualities were also acknowled by Frank as he continued: “His character is really good, and we know that character is everything. He will fit into our culture, I have no doubt about that. I see leadership potential in Nathan.
“He’s a perfect Brentford player – hungry and ambitious with a desire to learn.”
Collins began his career with Ireland’s Cherry Orchard at youth level before he joined Stoke City in 2016, where he made his senior debut in April 2019 and went on to score twice in 47 senior appearances for the Potters in total prior to a move to Burnley in July 2021.
At Turf Moor, Collins scored twice in 22 appearances as the Clarets suffered relegation to the Championship at end of 2021-22 season, which led him to join Wolves last summer in a £20.5m transfer.
Collins represents Republic of Ireland in international football and has managed to net twice in 14 international appearances, since he made his senior debut as a substitute in a 4-0 friendly win over Qatar in October 2021.