Manchester City tracking Brentford defender amid long-term Matheus Nunes doubts | OneFootball

Manchester City are monitoring Brentford right-back Michael Kayode as competition builds for one of the Premier League’s breakout defenders, as per reports.

City’s recruitment planning rarely operates in reaction to immediate need. Even as they continue to compete at the sharp end of domestic and European football, the club’s focus remains fixed on succession and positional evolution within Pep Guardiola’s system.

With that in mind, City’s transfer activity has leaned towards profiling rather than pursuit. January windows are typically quiet at the Etihad Stadium unless an opportunity aligns perfectly with long-term planning.

Yet behind the scenes, scouting operations continue uninterrupted, identifying players whose trajectory suggests they could eventually meet Guardiola’s demands. The right side of defence is one such area under constant review.

The club have consistently refreshed this position over recent seasons, preferring players who combine athleticism with tactical intelligence and positional flexibility. It is against that backdrop that a rapidly emerging Premier League talent has come into focus.

As reported by Tutto Juve and relayed by Sport Witness, Manchester City are among a group of clubs closely tracking Michael Kayode, the Brentford right-back whose development has accelerated sharply over the past year.

Kayode, 21, has become a key figure for Brentford, starting every league fixture this season under Keith Andrews. His consistency, athletic output and defensive reliability have marked him out as one of the league’s most impressive young fullbacks.

The Italian outlet reports that City face competition from Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United, while interest also extends beyond England. Juventus, Inter Milan and Bayern Munich are all described as admirers, with Tutto Juve stating that six elite clubs are now “pursuing” the defender.

That level of attention reflects what the outlet calls Kayode’s ‘immense potential’. The growing interest was foreshadowed earlier this season. In October 2025. Kayode’s agent Claudio Vigorelli acknowledged that external attention would be unavoidable if his client continued his upward trajectory.

A move, however, will not be straightforward. Brentford signed Kayode from Fiorentina for around €17.5 million and have tied him down to a contract running until 2030. There is no pressure to sell and internally, he is viewed as a cornerstone of the squad.

The aforementioned report states that a transfer would only be considered if Brentford received a ‘very high offer’ for the Italian full-back, though no valuation is specified. That stance is consistent with the club’s recent transfer history, where departures have only been sanctioned at premium prices.

For Manchester City, this remains a monitoring exercise rather than an active negotiation. Kayode’s profile fits many of the attributes Guardiola values: pace, stamina, defensive aggression and the capacity to develop tactically. His Premier League experience also lowers the adaptation risk City typically account for when assessing younger players.

Whether that interest progresses will depend on timing, valuation and Brentford’s resolve. City are unlikely to be drawn into an inflated bidding war, particularly in January, but their presence alone underscores Kayode’s rising status.

For now, the situation reflects Manchester City’s methodical approach. Identify early, assess patiently, and act only when conditions align. Michael Kayode’s name remains on that list.