Michael Kayode Nominated for Premier League Young Player of the Season Award Amid Super Eagles Interest

Brentford defender Michael Kayode is among eight players shortlisted for the Premier League’s Young Player of the Season award for the 2025–26 campaign, recognising what has been a breakthrough year for the Italy U21 international at the west London club.

Kayode has featured in nearly every Premier League match for Brentford this season, accumulating 3,084 minutes of league action. During that period, the fullback contributed to eight clean sheets and scored once — in a 2-2 draw against Wolverhampton Wanderers — while establishing himself as a consistent starter in Thomas Frank’s side.

One of the more distinctive elements of Kayode’s game this season has been his use of long throw-ins as an attacking weapon. Those deliveries contributed to five goals and created 40 shots — directly or indirectly — across the 2025–26 season, making them a notable tactical feature of Brentford’s play. His combination of pace, physical strength and forward intent has also given the Bees an additional threat from the right flank.

The individual honour will not come easily, however. Kayode’s shortlist rivals include Manchester City pair Rayan Cherki and Nico O’Reilly, both of whom have featured prominently in City’s campaign. Manchester United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo and Newcastle United defender Lewis Hall are also among the nominees, ensuring a competitive race for the award as the season approaches its conclusion.

Beyond club football, Kayode’s performances have drawn attention at international level. According to reports, Super Eagles head coach Éric Chelle has identified the Brentford defender as a potential recruit for the Nigerian national team. However, sources suggest Kayode is leaning towards committing to Italy at senior level, consistent with his appearances for the Italy U21 side. No formal international commitment has been made public at this stage.

Kayode, who came through the youth ranks at Fiorentina before joining Brentford, represents a generation of dual-eligible players whose international decisions carry significant weight for competing federations. Nigeria has previously secured commitments from players with European youth international backgrounds, though such moves require FIFA eligibility switches if a player has appeared in competitive matches for another nation.

His inclusion on the Premier League’s eight-man shortlist places him alongside some of the division’s most highly regarded young talents ahead of the 2025–26 season’s final weeks.