Fredrick promoted to Brentford’s first-team squad and signs new contract | OneFootball

Defender Benjamin Fredrick has been promoted to Brentford’s first team.

The 21-year-old Nigeria international, who has linked up with Keith Andrews’ squad during pre-season, has signed a new four-year contract, with a club option of a further year.

Head coach Andrews said: “We’re delighted that Benji has signed a new deal and is going to be part of the group this season, because we see a lot of potential in him and where we can bring his game to.

“He’s already played senior international football and was a big part of Nigeria’s team in their World Cup qualifying campaign.

“Last season, he had a really productive loan in Belgium that was unfortunately cut short due to injury.

“The first port of call for Benji is to integrate into the squad consistently. His last game was the middle of November, so that’s a long time he’s had out through injury.

“He’s then got to come into the first-team space, challenge his team-mates and show the ability and the personality which I know he has.”

A product of Simoiben Football Academy in his hometown of Kaduna, Fredrick spent the 2021/22 season at Abubakar Bukola Saraki FC before moving to Nasarawa United in Nigeria’s top flight.

He featured at centre-back and right-back during the following campaign, while also representing his country at the Under-20s Africa Cup of Nations, where Nigeria finished third.

Fredrick initially joined Brentford B on loan in August 2023. During an impressive first season under Neil MacFarlane, he was named on the bench for two Premier League games and two FA Cup ties, before Brentford made the move permanent in April 2024.

He continued to excel in 2024/25, featuring in two more Premier League matchday squads and playing a pivotal role as the young Bees reached the Premier League Cup final and won the Under-21 Professional Development League national title.

In May 2025, Fredrick was named Brentford B Players’ Player of the Year and, later that month, made his senior international debut for Nigeria in a penalty shoot-out victory over Jamaica in the Unity Cup final at Gtech Community Stadium.

Fredrick joined FCV Dender on loan for the 2025/26 campaign and made 15 appearances across the Belgian Pro League and Croky Cup before a knee injury ended his loan spell early.

During the September, October and November international breaks, Fredrick started the final four matches of Nigeria’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying group.

He also started their win against Gabon in the African play-off semi-final, before Nigeria were beaten by DR Congo following a penalty shoot-out in the final.

On the defender’s new contract and promotion to the first team, B team head coach Sam Saunders added: “Benji has been an absolute pleasure to have ever since he came through to the B team. I’m really, really proud of his progression and the levels he’s gone up in his time at Brentford.

“He’s an amazing character, a really likeable lad, very coachable, a top guy who is such a brave young player at such a young age. He’s got outstanding attributes in his one-v-one defending and is getting better and better all the time.

“Benji has already proved that he can go and play internationally and do really well, so we’re really excited to see where that leads him in his career.”

Fredrick on new deal

Benjamin Fredrick shared his thoughts after signing a fresh four-year contract at Brentford and being promoted to the Bees’ first-team squad.

The defender highlighted his former B-team head coach - now assistant first-team coach - Neil MacFarlane for praise and explained how much he has developed since moving to the west Londoners, initially on loan, in August 2023.

“It’s a great feeling. I’m happy and proud of myself, and my family are proud of me as well,” said the 21-year-old Nigeria international.

“The club has helped me a lot. When I came here, I was a little bit nervous and shy. I didn’t know how to do the basics because where I’m from is a little bit different to here.

“Especially Neil when I first came here. He always encouraged me, never shouted when I made mistakes and just told me to keep my head down and keep playing. He’s helped me grow as a player and a person as well.”

Asked about his ambitions for the 2025/26 season, Fredrick continued: “I just want to keep pushing and learning every single day.

“My aim is to make my debut with the first team, get Premier League minutes and give my best when I have the opportunity.”