Michael Kayode's permanent move to Brentford from Fiorentina last summer was driven by a search for greater trust and a league that matched his physical approach, his agent has said. The 23-year-old defender, who initially joined on loan in January 2025, has cemented a starting role at a club sitting fourth in the Premier League standings.
Talent scout Andrea Ritorni, speaking on behalf of Kayode's agency, explained the player felt more wanted at Brentford after a period on the bench. He stated that Kayode's farewell to his boyhood club Fiorentina was gracious, but the Premier League's intensity was a better cultural fit for his game. Ritorni elaborated that the defender believed he needed a stronger league to develop and that Fiorentina accepted an offer that reflected his value.
Career Path and Motivation
Kayode came through Fiorentina's youth setup and played regularly for a season before the move. Ritorni said the switch to West London has paid off, with Kayode now a key figure in Thomas Frank's side and a regular in the starting squad. The agent emphasized that the player's primary motivation was finding a club and a manager who showed immediate faith in his abilities, contrasting with his previous situation.
National Team Breakthrough
His performances for Brentford earned a senior call-up for Italy, the country of his birth, over Nigeria. Kayode marked his debut with a goal in a devastating display, a moment Ritorni said was fully deserved and validated the transfer. That international success comes as Brentford enjoy a strong start to the campaign, with their upcoming fixtures offering a chance to build on their position.
The Bees are fourth with nine points from five games, claiming an unbeaten record of two wins and three draws. They head into the October international break on a two-game winning run, including a 3-0 victory over Chelsea. Kayode's rise from squad player to established starter mirrors the club's own upward trajectory in the table.
More detail at FiorentinaNews
