Brentford Secures Defender Michael Kayode on Loan with Future Buy Option
Click to start listening
Synopsis
Brentford has signed defender Michael Kayode on loan from Fiorentina. The deal includes an option to buy this summer. Kayode, a promising right-back, aims to help Brentford achieve European competition qualification.
Key Takeaways
- Michael Kayode joins Brentford on loan.
- Loan deal from Fiorentina includes buy option.
- Kayode has played 26 Serie A matches.
- He scored the winner in the Under-19s UEFA Championship final.
- Kayode aspires to aid Brentford in European qualifications.
London, Jan 24 (NationPress) Defender Michael Kayode has officially joined Brentford on loan from the Italian club Fiorentina. This arrangement includes an option for a permanent transfer next summer.
The right-back experienced a breakout season last year, participating in 26 matches in Serie A, netting one goal and providing two assists. Kayode also played a significant role in La Viola's journey to the UEFA Europa Conference League final, where they faced defeat against Olympiacos, making six appearances in the tournament. In the current season, the 20-year-old has featured 12 times across all competitions.
“I’m thrilled to be here because I wanted to join this club so much. I believe Brentford is the ideal place for me. I appreciate the stadium, the fans, and my teammates. I aim to contribute match by match, and my aspiration with Brentford is to assist in qualifying for European competitions next season,” Kayode expressed in a statement.
Kayode began his youth career at Juventus, where he spent seven years until 2018.
After departing from the Italian giants, he played for Serie D team Gozzano, where during the 2020/21 season, he scored two goals and provided two assists in 34 matches at just 16 years old, aiding them in their promotion to Serie C.
This right-sided defender, who has also played on the left side of the field at times, signed with Fiorentina following that remarkable season and was initially integrated into their youth squad.
He made his Serie A debut for the club in a 4-1 away win against Genoa in 2023 and quickly became a regular in the first team, accumulating 49 appearances for Fiorentina.
Kayode has represented Italy at the Under-18 level four times, and he made headlines during the Under-19s’ UEFA European Championship victory in the summer of 2023. He scored the decisive goal in the final with a header against Portugal, leading his team to a 1-0 victory. He has since advanced to the Italy Under-21 team, earning three caps.
