Nigeria-eligible defender Michael Kayode is on the verge of joining Premier League side Brentford from Fiorentina, with negotiations reportedly at their final stages.
This comes after transfer expert Fabrizio Romano confirmed the impending move on Tuesday via X, stating that the deal is close, with key details being finalised between the two clubs.
The 20-year-old full-back’s exclusion from Fiorentina’s squad for their recent Serie A match against Torino raised further speculation about his exit from the Italian side.
Reports from Violanews suggest that Brentford is looking to secure Kayode on a paid loan deal, with an option to make the transfer permanent at the end of the season.
However, Fiorentina are reportedly keen on including a buy-back clause in the arrangement.
Kayode’s move to England follows his struggle for consistent playing time under Fiorentina’s new manager, Raffaele Palladino, who favours Dodo for the right-back role. Despite making 26 Serie A appearances last season, Kayode has found himself sidelined.
Born in Borgomanero, Italy, Kayode began his youth career at Juventus before moving to Serie D club Gozzano, where his performances helped secure promotion to Serie C.
He joined Fiorentina in 2021, where he won the Coppa Italia Primavera and Supercoppa Italiana Primavera with their youth team before breaking into the senior squad.
Although he has represented Italy at U-18, U-19, and U-21 levels, Kayode remains eligible to play for Nigeria at the senior international level, adding intrigue to his potential future with the Super Eagles.
His transfer to Brentford marks the latest step in his promising career, with the Premier League club reportedly beating out interest from Liverpool for his signature.
