Brentford have announced the signing of Italy-born Nigerian defender Michael Kayode on loan from Fiorentina.
Brentford confirmed the signing in a statement on their website on Friday.
“Defender Michael Kayode has joined Brentford on loan from Italian side Fiorentina, subject to international clearance. The deal includes an option to make the transfer permanent in the summer.
“The right-back enjoyed a breakout season last term, playing 26 games in Serie A, scoring one goal and providing two assists.
“Kayode was also a regular fixture in La Viola’s run to the UEFA Europa Conference League final, which they lost to Olympiacos, making six appearances in the European competition.
“This term, the 20-year-old has played 12 times in all competitions.”
Kayode started his youth career at Juventus, where he remained for seven years until 2018.
After leaving Juventus, he played for Serie D side Gozzano and, during the 2020/21 season, the defender scored two goals and provided two assists in 34 matches as a 16-year-old, helping them gain promotion to Serie C.
He joined Fiorentina after that impressive campaign and was first integrated into their youth team.
He made his Serie A debut for the club in a 4-1 away victory over Genoa in 2023.
By the end of the season, he had become a regular in the first team and went on to play 49 times for Fiorentina.
