Michael Kayode Set To Join Brentford, Rangers Awaiting Right Price For Cyriel Dessers

Brentford are poised to officially announce the signing of Italian-born Nigerian defender, Michael Kayode, who has garnered attention from notable clubs like Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur.

As reported by Sky Sports UK, Michael Kayode, who currently plays for Fiorentina as a right-back, is set to undergo a medical examination at Brentford today, January 22, paving the way for a potential announcement.

Both Fiorentina and Brentford have reached an agreement regarding the transfer of the 20-year-old Nigerian player, who has already settled on personal terms with Brentford. This development allows him to travel to London for a routine medical checkup.

Should he successfully complete his medical, Kayode is expected to join Brentford on loan for the remainder of the 2024-2025 season, with an option for the club to make a permanent purchase for a fee of £13.5 million next summer.

Despite showing promise, the Super Eagles-eligible player has faced limited first-team opportunities this season, often playing behind experienced Brazilian right-back Dodô.

Michael Kayode has only started six matches out of 29 across all competitions, unlike the previous season, where he made 31 starts and contributed to five goals.

Kayode’s football journey began at Juventus before he was acquired by Fiorentina in the summer of 2021.

Although he is eligible to represent Nigeria through his parents, he has attracted the interest of Italy’s national team coach, Luciano Spalletti, who is considering him for a call-up to the senior team.

In another development, the record Scottish Professional League champions, Rangers, are waiting for the right price before they sell off Super Eagles striker Cyriel Dessers.

The 30-year-old Nigerian forward, who initially started the season as Philippe Clement’s first-choice striker, has lost his position due to struggles in front of goal, leading the coach to opt for Moroccan striker Hamza Igamane.

Dessers has expressed a desire for more playing time, even if it means leaving Scotland. Just before his impressive hat-trick against Fraserburgh.

Spanish La Liga club CD Leganes has shown interest in acquiring Dessers from Rangers. The Madrid-based side are eager to secure the Super Eagles striker this month but faces challenges in meeting Rangers’ asking price of around €5 million, equal to what they paid to bring him from Cremonese in 2023.

While Leganes is exploring various options for securing Dessers, including a loan arrangement, Rangers are hesitating as they await offers that would allow them to finalize Dessers’ transfer completely.

Currently sitting in 15th place in the La Liga standings, Borja Jimenez’s team is under pressure, with only a three-point cushion above the relegation zone.