Nigerian U-20 centre-back, Benjamin Frederick, has secured a move to the English Premier League outfit, Brentford, Soccernet has reported.
At just 18 years old, Frederick has emerged as the latest permanent addition to the Bees’ roster.
Frederick is a product of Moses Simon’s academy, Simoiben Football Club, in Kaduna State.
Soccernet reports that Frederick garnered attention from European clubs such as Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, and FC Porto.
Frederick initially joined the club on loan last summer, with an option to buy included.
According to renowned transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano, the ‘option to buy clause’ has been activated, leading to Frederick’s signing of a four-year deal with Brentford.
He joins fellow Nigerian Frank Onyeka at the club, further enhancing the Nigerian presence 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.
According to Soccernet, Frederick will be starting his development with the team’s B setup, where he has already demonstrated his talent in training with the first team on multiple occasions.
He was selected as a replacement for Brentford’s Premier League matches against Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur, as well as the Emirates FA Cup third-round encounter 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 had the opportunity to showcase his skills at the FIFA U-20 World Cup last year.
He participated in six matches for the Flying Eagles.
