During the January window, Sport Witness covered interest from Tottenham and Newcastle United in Brentford’s Michael Kayode.
TuttoJuve spoke of it confidently, suggesting that the Bees need a very high offer to sanction the player’s departure. The exact amount wasn’t mentioned, but there was also interest from Manchester City, Juventus and Inter Milan, although the City claims felt a bit stretched.
Kayode has become an expert at long-throws in the Premier League. He has also become a very reliable defender, who has a talent for carrying the ball forward into attack.
Now, an entourage member has given hope to Tottenham and Newcastle United about signing the Italian.
Kayode can look for the next step
Andrea Ritorni, who is part of the team at Vigo Global, spoke to FiorentinaNews about the young defender. He was asked about Kayode’s relationship with Brentford manager Keith Andrews.
The Italian responded: “The relationship with the manager is good. He was already in contact with Andrews. Last year he worked on Frank ‘s staff and prepared set pieces. Michael has always had a good relationship with everyone because he knows how to behave and act.
“In particular, there’s a lot of trust from both sides; this quality has improved at Brentford. It shows on the pitch too; he’s developed a great personality that’s been recognised by his teammates and the fans.”
Ritorni went on to drop a hint about a possible exit in the near future. He described it as the third major step of his career.
“We are very happy with the journey he’s on, which isn’t over yet. With Fiorentina, he took the first step, and now at Brentford, it’s a second phase. We’re aiming to reach the third step, where he’ll be ready for big-time football.”
While that should give hope to Tottenham and Newcastle United, Ritorni also addressed Kayode’s possible call-up to Italy.
“With enormous respect to Fiorentina and Brentford , the third step would be Kayode’s arrival at a top club. At that point, there would also be the Italian national team; no one here is denying the possibility. When and if the call-up to the Azzurri arrives, he’ll be ready, as he has always shown on so many occasions. He always makes himself ready.”
Defender’s value can grow further
Generally, there have been no indications of how much Brentford will demand for Kayode. The figure is likely creeping higher and will continue to do so, especially if he stays away from injuries.
Last season, he faced injury problems right after joining on loan from Fiorentina. Despite that, the London club trusted him and it is all paying off.
He already has European experience from his time in Florence. Kayode can also play at centre-back and left-back. This shows he can be a handy signing for Tottenham or Newcastle United.
The only hindrance would be competition from other clubs, who can definitely come forward at some point.
For Spurs to be considered as that big step up, they need to sort out their current situation.