Michael Kayode has been one of the Premier League’s standout defensive performers this season, yet Fiorentina insist they feel “no regrets” over allowing the 21-year-old to join Brentford permanently last January. The right-back has flourished under Keith Andrews, starting every league match and becoming a defining presence in Brentford’s system through his long throws, assured ball carrying and defensive consistency.
Kayode’s move followed a turbulent period in Italy. Once viewed as a long-term building block for La Viola after a strong 2023/24 campaign, his role diminished sharply the following year. In search of regular football — and with Fiorentina open to generating funds — Brentford’s long-term interest proved decisive. The London club took him on loan before sealing a permanent transfer last winter, a decision that now looks like one of the most astute moves of Andrews’ reign.
Speaking to FirenzeViola, Fiorentina academy director Valentino Angelino made it clear the club stand by the choice to let Kayode leave, emphasising that the timing matched the player’s needs and the club’s strategic direction.
Fiorentina: “It Was the Right Time for Everyone”
Angelino addressed Kayode’s exit directly, reiterating that the full-back’s desire for consistent minutes made the sale unavoidable.
“I don’t know about regrets. You have to analyse the moments, and at that moment he wanted to play and he wanted to do it everywhere. He had done extraordinary things.” — Valentino Angelino, to FirenzeViola (via LabaroViola)
He added that Brentford had attempted to sign the defender as early as June 2024, but Fiorentina delayed a decision until winter:
“Brentford wanted him already in June. The president and the club hadn’t listened to any offers. However, it was right to send him out. It was an opportunity for the club, even if he hadn’t played, his development would have been stunted.”
In Angelino’s view, Kayode’s transfer was not an act of surrender but a logical step in the player’s growth — a view that matches Fiorentina’s long-term squad planning rather than immediate needs.
How Brentford Unlocked Kayode’s Potential
Kayode endured early injury problems during his initial months in England, but Brentford showed unwavering trust. Andrews’ coaching staff saw qualities they could build around: explosive recovery pace, strong defensive anticipation, and an ability to carry the ball aggressively into midfield. With Brentford’s structure relying heavily on athletic, proactive full-backs, Kayode proved an immediate tactical fit.
Kayode is on a five-year contract worth £50,000 per week, reflecting their view of him as a core part of their future. For a player whose Fiorentina trajectory had plateaued, the change of environment — and consistent runway to develop — has paid off.
Numbers That Tell the Story
| Stat (2025/26) | Michael Kayode |
|---|---|
| Appearances | 16 |
| Goals | 0 |
| Assists | 0 |
| Accurate Passes per Game | 23.8 (85%) |
| Big Chances Created | 2 |
| Key Passes per Game | 1.3 |
| Balls Recovered per Game | 4.4 |
| Interceptions per Game | 1.2 |
| Total Duels Won | 5.2 (60%) |
source: Sofascore data – 1 December 2025
Kayode’s numbers capture why he has stood out: defensive output, duel success and involvement in chance creation. His 85% passing accuracy and consistent ball recoveries highlight the blend of security and aggression Andrews values in wide defenders.
Why Fiorentina Still Don’t Regret the Sale
Having followed Fiorentina’s academy and recruitment strategy closely, their stance on Kayode aligns with a long-term philosophy rather than short-term emotion. Toscana’s club rarely blocks exits for homegrown players seeking greater opportunity, and Kayode’s reduced minutes in 2024/25 hinted at a tactical mismatch more than a performance issue.
Although some supporters may argue that Fiorentina sold too soon, it's worth questioning what Kayode’s development curve would have looked like had he remained third or fourth choice in Florence. In our view, Fiorentina’s reasoning — that his growth might have stalled — holds weight. Player pathways are unpredictable, and the Serie A side prioritised his progression and their financial reality over hypothetical future value.
From my experience covering players who move from Italy to England, full-backs often thrive when given physical responsibility, attacking space and consistent trust. Brentford offered all three. Fiorentina could not guarantee any of them.
Looking at Brentford’s Strategy
This signing fits Brentford’s model perfectly: targeted recruitment of undervalued players with high developmental ceilings. Kayode has rewarded that faith by becoming a defensive cornerstone. With Arsenal up next at the Emirates on Wednesday, his reliability will be vital against the league’s most structured wide combinations.
Key Insights
- Fiorentina say they have “no regrets” about selling Kayode to Brentford.
- Brentford first tried to sign him in June 2024 before succeeding the following January.
- Fiorentina believed regular minutes were essential for his development.
- Kayode has become one of the Premier League’s best young defenders this season.
- His five-year Brentford contract reflects the club’s long-term faith in him.
What’s Next?
Brentford travel to Arsenal on Wednesday, where Kayode is expected to start again as Keith Andrews’ side look to build on the defender’s outstanding form.
👉 Did Fiorentina make the right call letting Kayode go — or will his rise make them rethink it in years to come?
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