Brentford have announced that they have signed defender Michael Kayode on a permanent transfer from Fiorentina.
Kayode spent the second half of the season with Thomas Frank's side after arriving on loan from the Italian club in the winter transfer window.
The right-back made 12 Premier League appearances during the loan spell, including starts in the final six matches of the top-flight season.
It was recently reported that Brentford have decided to exercise their €17.5m (£14.7m) option to sign Kayode on a permanent deal.
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Brentford confirm Kayode deal
Brentford have now announced that they have made Kayode's transfer official, recruiting the full-back on a five-year contract to keep him at the club until the summer of 2030.
"I am so excited to extend my stay at Brentford," Kayode told Brentford's official website. "I have felt so welcome from the first day I arrived at the club, thanks to my teammates and the care the coaching staff have shown me.
"I've wanted to play in the Premier League since I was a child, and it's been so good to do that here. I can't wait for more next season and beyond!"
Brentford director of football Phil Giles has revealed that it was a simple decision to sign Kayode on a permanent basis.
"Michael has been fantastic for us since he arrived in January, not only with regards to his performances, but also in terms of his personality and the energy he has brought to the training ground," Giles said.
"It was an easy decision to make his transfer permanent this summer, and we look forward to seeing him back for pre-season in July."
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Who are Thomas Frank's right-back options?
Having made his move permanent, Kayode will be vying to be Frank's first-choice right-back for the 2025-26 campaign.
The Italian is likely to compete with Aaron Hickey for a starting spot, although there may be some concern over the 22-year-old's long-term fitness.
Hickey has not played a first-team match since October 2023, having suffered setbacks in his recovery from a long-term hamstring injury.
The Scotland international did at least return to the matchday squad on the final day of the campaign and will hope to use pre-season to build up his fitness ahead of next term.
In addition to Kayode and Hickey, centre-backs Sepp van den Berg and Kristoffer Ajer have the capability to play on the right side of defence.
