Brentford receive Fredrick back from loan and give him first team slot ahead of next season

ENGLISH Premier League side Brentford have named Super Eagles centreback Benjamin Fredrick in their first team for next season following his return from a loan spell at Belgian side Dender

A product of Nigeria's Simoiben Football Academy, Fredrick, 21 was signed by Brentford in August 2023 on loan with the option to make the deal permanent after excelling with Nigeria's U20 team the Flying Eagles. In April 2024, Brentford turned the loan deal into a permanent transfer with Fredrick signing a four-year contract and then on July 25 last year, he was sent to Dender in a season-long loan deal to enable him get playing time.

Last summer, Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle, chanced Fredrick in his starting line-up during the Unity Cup in London in May and was so impressed with the youngster. Then, during the World Cup play-offs in November, Fredrick proved his value again, forming a formidable partnership with Calvin Bassey in the heart of the Nigerian defence, marking former Arsenal skipper Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, successfully keeping the Gabonese danger man quiet in the semi-final.

After the play-offs, however, Fredrick picked up a meniscus injury and is only just returning to full fitness now. Having returned to full training and ready for next season, Brentford have announced that Fredrick will be in their first team next season and the player is now looking forward to pre-season training with a view to snatching a starting spot.

Head coach Keith Andrew has made it clear that Fredrick will be a permanent face in the first team squad. Fredrick is currently in Nigeria training with Simoiben Football Academy to keep fit.