Italy U21 talent Kayode signs new long-term Brentford contract | OneFootball

Italy Under-21 international Michael Kayode has signed a new long-term contract with Brentford, just a year after completing the €18m sale from Fiorentina and amid Juventus interest. ‘It’s like a family.’

The versatile full-back, who can play on the right or left side of defence, is set to celebrate his 22nd birthday next week.

EMPOLI, ITALY – MARCH 26: Jeff Ekhator of Italy U21 celebrates after scoring the team’s third goal with Michael Kayode and Luca Kaleosho during the UEFA Under 21 EURO Qualifier match between Italy U21 and North Macedonia U21 at Stadio Carlo Castellani on March 26, 2026 in Empoli, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)

He was given a very special early gift, as Brentford announced today that he has put pen to paper on a new and improved contract.

It runs to June 2032, with the Premier League club keeping an option to extend for one more year.

Kayode committed to Brentford future

BRENTFORD, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 25: Michael Kayode of Brentford dries the ball with a towel before taking a long throw-in during the Premier League match between Brentford and Liverpool at Gtech Community Stadium on October 25, 2025 in Brentford, England. (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)

Kayode had spent time in the youth academies of Juventus, Gozzano and Fiorentina before flourishing in the Viola jersey.

He was loaned to Brentford in January 2025 with the option to buy activated for a total fee of €18m last summer.

In his first full season, the Italian made 44 competitive appearances for the club, scoring one goal with two assists, so was nominated for the Premier League Young Player of the Season award.

“I feel like this club is a family, so I wanted to continue my journey here. I have amazing relationships that make me really like coming in for the morning to train and have fun with my team-mates, the staff and all the people around,” Kayode told the official club website.

“Ever since I joined the club, everything has been amazing. It feels like I’ve been playing for Brentford for 10 years. I’ve improved a lot on the pitch and outside of the pitch. That’s really important for me.”

Despite these performances, he is yet to earn his first senior cap for Italy.

There had been reports he could return to Serie A for Juventus this summer.