Nigeria U-20 centre-back, Benjamin Chiemela Frederick has permanently joined English Premier League side, Brentford, Soccernet.ng reports.
The 18-year-old is now the latest permanent addition to the Bees setup. Benjamin is a graduate of Moses Simon’s academy in Nigeria.
The Simo Iben Academy graduate despite playing in the Nigerian league, had interest from top European teams like Bundesliga giants – Bayern Munich, fourteen-time UEFA Champions League winners – Real Madrid, and FC Porto, but Brentford won the battle for the exceptional defender signing him on loan last summer with an option to buy included in the deal.
As per Fabrizio Romano, the clause has been activated and the defender has signed a four-year deal with Thomas Frank’s side, joining Frank Onyeka as another Nigerian at the club. He will continue with the team B set up to aid his development into a first-team player, although he has trained with the first team on many occasions.
He was also named as a substitute for Brentford’s Premier League games against Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur, as well as the Emirates FA Cup third-round match against Wolverhampton Wanderers.
“Signing permanently for Brentford is a great moment for me and my family and I want to thank everyone who started this journey with me. Neil and the rest of the coaching team have been very patient and supportive throughout this season and they have helped me become a stronger more confident player in the process. I want to repay the club’s trust in me by continuing to do my best and pushing to even greater heights,” the former Nassarawa United man told Brentford’s official website after his move was made permanent.
Benjamin featured at the FIFA U-20 World Cup last year and played six games for the Flying Eagles as Nigeria finished third in the U-20 Africa Cup of Nations.
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Benjamin was a member of Nigeria's U-20 national team that participated in six games and was included to the FIFA U-20 World Cup roster last year. Nigeria placed third at the U-20 Africa Cup of Nations.