Nigerian U-20 center-back Benjamin Frederick completes his transfer to English Premier League side Brentford.
The 18-year-old emerges as the newest permanent addition to the Bees’ squad.
Hailing from Moses Simon’s academy, Simoiben Football Club in Kaduna State, Frederick has attracted interest from European giants such as Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, and FC Porto.
Initially arriving on loan last summer, Frederick’s move included an option to buy, which has now been exercised, leading to the signing of a four-year contract with Brentford.
Renowned transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano confirms the activation of the buy option clause.
Frederick joins fellow Nigerian Frank Onyeka at Brentford, further bolstering the Nigerian contingent within the team.
“Brentford decided to activate the option and sign him from Kaduna-based Simoiben Academy, sources from Nigeria confirm.
“The contract will be valid until 2028,” Romano wrote on X on Tuesday night.
Frederick will kick off his development journey with the team’s B setup, where he has showcased his talent during training sessions with the first team on several occasions.
He was chosen as a substitute for Brentford’s Premier League fixtures against Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur, along with the Emirates FA Cup third-round clash against Wolverhampton Wanderers.
“Signing permanently for Brentford is a great moment for me and my family and I want to thank everyone who started this journey with me. Neil and the rest of the coaching team have been very patient and supportive throughout this season and they have helped me become a stronger more confident player in the process.
“I want to repay the club’s trust in me by continuing to do my best and pushing to even greater heights,” he said in a statement on Brentford’s official website after the move was made permanent.
Frederick seized the chance to demonstrate his abilities at the FIFA U-20 World Cup last year, featuring in six matches for the Flying Eagles.
