Brentford are reportedly closing in on the signing of Michael Kayode from Fiorentina.
Thomas Frank's Brentford have been been plagued with injuries in the defensive department in recent months, and the Bees look set to bolster their backline with the addition of Fiorentina right-back Kayode.
Here is everything you need to know about Brentford transfer target Michael Kayode.
Born on 10th July 2004, Michael Kayode is 20 years old.
Michael Kayode was born in Borgomanero, Italy, though is of Nigerian descent.
The reported price-tag for Kayode is expected to be around the €15m - €20m mark, though the official agreed fee hasn't yet been announced.
Despite being contracted at Fiorentina until 2028, Brentford look set to get a deal over the line for the full-back.
Kayode is primarily a right-back, though can play in a more advanced role, either as a right wing-back or a right midfielder.
Kayode is 5ft 10ins and of lean build.
Kayode is naturally right-footed, though is comfortable using his left foot.
Kayode's athleticism means he thrives in a range of departments, both offensively and defensively.
The right-back possesses excellent upper-body strength, holding his own in one-v-one scenarios, whilst also contributing to his ability to retain possession when under sustained pressure from an opponent.
Most of the time, Kayode's positioning and judgement of when to attack the ball is spot on, but on the rare occasion that he misjudges something, his immense recovery pace aids his game.
While Kayode rarely opts for the line-breaking passes, he is certainly reliable in possession.
Metric | Total (Per 90) | Rank |
Tackles in attacking third | 0.40 | Top 9% |
% of dribblers tackles | 76.9% | Top 2% |
Tackled during take-on percentage | 32.3% | Top 10% |
Short pass completion | 92.2% | Top 15% |
% of aerial duels won | 61.1% | Top 14% |
(Source: FBref.com compared to positional peers in Men's Next 14 Competitions over the last 365 days.).
Kayode started his youth career at Juventus, where he would remain until 2018, before making the move to Gozzano.
The right-back would spend three years at the club, featuring for the Serie D side in the 2020/21 campaign, scoring twice and assisting twice.
He would be rewarded with a move to Fiorentina in 2021, though would spend the first two years in the youth setup, before being integrated into the first team in 2023, now a key member of the squad.
Kayode is yet to represent Italy at senior level, having played for the U18, U19 and U21 teams.
He is, however, eligible to play for Nigeria, and would be qualified to make the switch if he thinks that will best suit him.
Frank's usual 5-3-2 system hasn't been used as often for Brentford this season, mainly due to a lack of available defenders as a result of injuries.
The addition of Kayode, however, could grant Frank the opportunity to return to his favoured formation, in which the new signing could play a big part at right wing-back.
It's no secret that Brentford are often at their best when they are off the ball, frustrating teams in a compact low-block. Kayode's ability in one v one situations, combined with his willingness to drive into space when transitioning, could make him a perfect fit within Frank's system.
That said, it may take the full-back time to adapt to the physical demands of the Premier League, so consistent performances can't be expected instantly.