Brentford FC has confirmed the permanent signing of Kaduna-based defender Benjamin Fredrick from Simoiben FC in Kaduna State, Nigeria.
The 18-year-old center-back penned a four-year contract with the Bees, with an option for an extra year.
“Brentford are pleased to announce the permanent signing of Benjamin Fredrick from Simoiben FC on a four-year deal, with the club having the option of an extra year,” the statement reads.
According to Brentford, his terrific performance as a loan player fostered the club to permanently sign him.
Frederick, who has trained with the senior team on numerous occasions, will remain a B team player. This season in the English Premier League, he was named as a substitute for Brentford’s Premier League games against Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur, as well as both Emirates FA Cup third-round matches against Wolverhampton Wanderers.
With Nigeria, Frederick has featured with the U20 team, aiding them to a quarter-final round of the World Cup last season, but couldn’t proceed beyond that stage after a 1-0 defeat to South Korea. Since then, he has been a regular for his country at U20 level, making his debut in that age group at just 17. He has also participated in three U20 AFCONs with the Nigeria team.
Before his permanent move to Brentford FC, Frederick had toured the Nigeria Professional Football League, having been loaned to ABS FC and Nasarawa United at his tender age.
Discussing his permanent move to the club, Frederick said: “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.”
