Michael Kayode: Reasons Inter Milan transfer could end Nigeria’s hope of landing Brentford star

Nigeria’s dream of convincing Michael Kayode to play for the Super Eagles may be nearing its final chapter as Inter Milan step up efforts to sign the highly-rated Brentford defender this summer, Afrik-Foot reports.

The 21-year-old right-back has been on the radar of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) for several years because of his Nigerian heritage. Born in Borgomanero, Italy, to Nigerian parents, Kayode remains eligible to represent both countries at senior level.

However, a move to Inter Milan could make it almost impossible for Nigeria to win that battle.

Inter recently suffered a major setback in their pursuit of Marco Palestra after Chelsea reportedly launched a bid worth more than €60 million for the youngster. The development forced the Nerazzurri to quickly look elsewhere for reinforcements ahead of the new season.

According to transfer expert Claudio Raimondi, Inter have now reopened discussions over Kayode and have already made contact with the player’s representatives.

The Italian giants have admired the defender since his breakthrough season at Fiorentina in 2023-24. Club officials believe his pace, strength, tactical discipline and dangerous long throw-ins would make him a perfect fit for their wing-back system.

Kayode left Fiorentina for Brentford in January 2025 before the Premier League club activated their purchase option in May for around €17 million. Since then, his stock has risen sharply after an impressive season in England that earned him a nomination for the Premier League Young Player of the Season award.

Inter move could push Michael Kayode closer to Italy senior team

The biggest concern for Nigeria is not just the transfer itself but what it could mean for Kayode’s international future.

Playing regularly for Inter would place him directly under the spotlight of Italy caretaker coach Silvio Baldini, who has already handed senior debuts to three players of Nigerian descent.

Italy have successfully used similar pathways before with players of Nigerian descent. Footballers such as Destiny Udogie and Michael Folorunsho were fast-tracked into the senior national team after establishing themselves at top clubs, permanently ending Nigeria’s hopes of securing their services.

The Super Eagles had recently seen a small opportunity emerge after Kayode was overlooked for some of Italy’s senior squads and continued featuring mainly for the Under-21 team.

Reports suggested that Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle had received approval from the NFF to hold direct talks with the defender and present him with a major role ahead of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations campaign.

But that opening may be closing rapidly. Perhaps the strongest indication of where his future lies comes from the player himself.

Kayode has repeatedly stated that representing Italy remains his dream despite interest from Nigeria. The defender has proudly worn Italy’s colours from Under-18 level through to Under-21 and famously scored the winning goal in the 2023 UEFA European Under-19 Championship final. In May 2026, he left little room for doubt when discussing his international future.

“I will always give priority to Italy… I have no doubt about which path to choose.”

Those words were a major setback to Nigeria’s pursuit.

An Inter Milan transfer would only strengthen his position within Italy’s football structure. Even if he does not become an immediate starter, training and competing at one of the country’s biggest clubs would significantly increase his chances of earning a first senior Italy call-up.

The deal itself remains complicated. Brentford are reportedly demanding between €35 million and €40 million, while some reports suggest the English club could hold out for figures approaching €58 million if bidding intensifies.

Inter are believed to be exploring a loan deal with an obligation to buy linked to performance targets as they attempt to stay ahead of rivals including Juventus, AC Milan, Manchester City, Newcastle United, Tottenham Hotspur, Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern Munich.