Brighton & Hove Albion and Brentford are reportedly keen on signing Fiorentina fullback Michael Kayode as the January transfer window approaches.
Kayode, a product of Fiorentina’s academy, burst onto the scene last season, making 22 Serie A appearances.
The Super Eagles prospect’s consistency and maturity earned plaudits, with his ability to balance defensive responsibilities and support attacking transitions. Across those games, he maintained impressive discipline, receiving just two yellow cards.
According to Sport Italia, both clubs have identified the 20-year-old as a potential addition to bolster their defensive options.
Limited opportunities this season for Kayode
However, Kayode’s role has diminished this season. Brazilian fullback Dodo has claimed the starting berth, relegating Kayode to a backup role.
The young Italian-Nigerian has featured in 12 games across all competitions, with only one start in Serie A. He has played a total of 129 league minutes, averaging just 26 minutes per match.
The UEFA Europa Conference League has provided Kayode with slightly more opportunities. He has started four of Fiorentina’s five group games.
In this competition, he has accumulated 356 minutes, averaging 71 minutes per game. Despite his reduced playing time domestically, Kayode continues to develop and gain valuable experience on the European stage.
Both Brighton and Brentford are monitoring the situation closely. Known for nurturing young talents, the two clubs present appealing destinations for Kayode, who is eager for more consistent minutes.
Should Kayode move to England, he would follow in the footsteps of fellow Italian-Nigerians Destiny Udogie and Caleb Okoli, who successfully switched from Serie A to the Premier League.
Both players earned their senior Italian caps after their moves, raising questions about whether Kayode’s career trajectory could take a similar path.
