Brentford Starlet Followed By Europe's Elite

Brentford’s Michael Kayode Close to Champions League Move

Despite having their first team ripped apart over the summer with the departures of Bryan Mbeumo, Dango Ouattara and Mark Flekken, Brentford have blossomed this season, with the likes of Igor Thiago, Caoimhin Kelleher and Jordan Henderson fuelling an unlikely surge up the table.

The Bees’ transfer business has been exceptionally shrewd - with inexperienced manager Keith Andrews at the helm and a number of young, promising but unproven players in the squad, it is a testament to how well the club does its research that they now lie in fifth in the Premier League, above the likes of Man United and Chelsea.

🚨 Manchester City are the club most serious about Brentford's Italian right-back Michael Kayode, but the likes of Bayern Munich, Juventus and Inter have also been monitoring his development.

His long throw is a big attribute.

(Source: @CaughtOffside) pic.twitter.com/Anmnh9HbyH

— Transfer News Live (@DeadlineDayLive) January 8, 2026

However, a key part of their team could be ripped away from them this January, with right back Michael Kayode linked with some of Europe’s most successful teams.

The Next Big Thing?

Initially brought in on a loan deal from Fiorentina last January, Kayode impressed the Brentford hierarchy in his six-month stint at the club, and earned himself a permanent contract in a £15.3 million deal.

So far, it has been money well spent - locking down Brentford’s right-back position as his own, Kayode has thrived at his new club, showing robust sturdiness in defence and an eye for joining the attack.

In fact, in attack is where he has been given the most credit - the Italian has been superb on the flank, and has completed (28) more dribbles than all of Bukayo Saka (24), Pedro Neto (23) and Morgan Rogers (22), all of whom sit further forward and have the express job of progressing the ball.

On top of his on-the-ball ability, Kayode also possesses a wicked long throw, one which has directly contributed to two goals and six attempts on goal. Though this talent likely won’t be utilised immediately at these mammoth clubs, it provides a useful alternative tactic if Plan A isn’t working.

🇮🇹 Michael Kayode vs Top 5 League U21 Full-backs

◉ Interceptions – 1st
◉ Shots blocked – 1st
◉ Possessions won – 1st
◎ Defensive duels won – 2nd
◎ Duels won – 2nd
◎ Progressive actions – 2nd
◎ Accelerations – 2nd

👉 https://t.co/X3xGkNPp6F pic.twitter.com/HiQRgXPhPR

— DataMB (@DataMB_) January 4, 2026

As such, the interest of Europe’s elite has been piqued - in the last couple of days, all of Manchester City, Juventus, Bayern Munich and Inter Milan have registered their official interest, meaning that Kayode has suddenly become the world’s most wanted right-back.

All four of these suitors have Champions League trophies to their names, and all sit in the Champions League places in their respective leagues, meaning there is almost nothing to separate them if and when Kayode needs to make a choice.

However, while Kayode does operate at a lesser club, the nature of his performances has seen his market value sky-rocket - it would now take in excess of £28 million to pry the 21-year-old away from the GTech Stadium.

However, with the amount of high-profile interest in the defender, the interested parties won’t be put off, and all of them will be desperate to beat their rivals to his signature. Wherever he goes, this will be a major blow for Brentford and a huge coup for his future club.