Brentford have signed defender, Michael Kayode from Fiorentina on loan with a buy option for £13.5m.
Kayode joined Fiorentina in summer 2021 and after initially featuring in their youth academy, he went on to score one goal in 49 senior appearances, and was part of the squad which finished runner-up to Olympiacos in last season’s UEFA Europa Conference League Final.
His performances attracted interest across Europe last summer with no successful transfer bids submitted, but Brentford have finally struck a loan deal until end of season, albeit with a buy clause for £13.5m.
The 20 year-old right-back, who could make his debut for the Bees in a London derby at Crystal Palace on Sunday 26 January at 2pm GMT in the Premier League.
Brentford’s Director of Football, Phil Gilles has explained that Kayode is a player who he believes will suit the club’s style following close monitoring in recent months.
“Michael is a player that we think will suit Brentford and the physical nature of the Premier League very well.
“We have watched him for a while, and he has probably been a bit unlucky not to play more games already this season.
“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 began his career in Juventus’ youth academy before he joined AC Gozzano where he broke through into their first team with two goals in 34 appearances in 2020-21 season, which led him to make a move to Fiorentina.
The youngster represents Italy at international level where he graduated through the Under 18 and 19s and currently represents the U21s, having helped the U19s win the 2023 UEFA U19s Euros with the title-clinching goal in the final over Portugal.
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