Brentford sign Florentina defender, Kayode

The Premier League side Brentford have completed the signing of Fiorentina defender Michael Kayode on loan for the remainder of the season.

The 20-year-old right-back underwent his medical with the Bees on Wednesday evening after both clubs reached an agreement that includes a £13.2m option to make the transfer permanent in the summer.

“Michael is a player that we think will suit Brentford and the physical nature of the Premier League very well,” Brentford director of football Phil Giles told the club’s website.

“We have watched him for a while, and he has probably been a bit unlucky not to play more games already this season.”

The Nigeria-eligible defender, who has made 12 appearances for the Viola this season, emerged from Juventus’ youth system before impressing at Italian fourth-tier side Gozzano, where he scored two goals and provided two assists in 34 matches.

His performances earned him a move to Florence in 2021, where he enjoyed success with their youth team, winning the Coppa Italia Primavera and Supercoppa Italiana Primavera before breaking into the first team.

Kayode made 26 Serie A appearances last season and featured in Fiorentina’s run to the Europa Conference League final but has struggled for regular playing time under new coach Raffaele Palladino this term, managing just six starts in all competitions.

The full-back, who has represented Italy at U-18, U-19 and U-21 levels but remains eligible to play for Nigeria at senior international level, had previously attracted interest from Liverpool before Brentford emerged as frontrunners for his signature.

Thomas Frank’s side, who sit 11th in the Premier League, travel to Crystal Palace on Sunday for their next fixture.