Brentford’s Michael Kayode has arguably been one of the best defenders in the Premier League this season.
The 21-year-old has started every game for Keith Andrews, and Kayode has impressed with his long-throws and ability to carry the ball forward.
The defender joined Brentford permanently in the summer, after an initial six-month-long loan.
Fiorentina’s academy director Valentino Angelino has now spoken to FirenzeViola about his sale to the Bees. He believes La Viola should have no regrets about the player’s exit, given it’s what he wanted and probably needed.
Angelino said, relayed by LabaroViola: “I don’t know about regrets. You have to analyse the moments, and at that moment he wanted to play and he wanted to do it everywhere. He had done extraordinary things.”
The Italian revealed that Brentford tried to sign Kayode in the summer of 2024 too, but January was viewed as the right time to let him leave.
“Brentford wanted him already in June. The president and the club hadn’t listened to any offers. However, it was right to send him out.”
“It was an opportunity for the club, even if he hadn’t played, his development would have been stunted. It’s not a regret, but we’re happy for him.”
Kayode arrived at the London club after struggling to get game time in the 2024/25 season. Even if he was key in the 2023/24 campaign, his standing at Fiorentina fell suddenly.
This suggests that perhaps La Viola already had plans to sell Kayode, looking to bring some money in. That is why they don’t have regrets about his sale.
The right-back faced injury problems early in his Brentford spell. Despite that, Keith Andrews’ side showed a lot of trust in him and signed him permanently.
As things stand, that belief is paying off.
