Through a statement on their official website, English Premier League club Brentford have confirmed that Nigeria youth international Benjamin Fredrick has joined the Bees on a permanent deal.
Brentford have triggered the buy option to sign the Simoiben FC central defender on a permanent basis.
Fredrick has put pen to paper on a four-year deal with Brentford, keeping him at the Gtech Community Stadium until June 30, 2028, with the London club having the option of an extra year.
The 2023 Fifa U20 World Cup star has been offered fresh terms on the back of his outstanding performances for Neil MacFarlane's B team.
He has trained with the first team on multiple occasions this season and was a non-playing substitute in Premier League matches against Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur, and was also an unused substitute in the two matches against Wolverhampton Wanderers in the FA Cup.
In his first words after putting pen to paper on a permanent deal, Fredrick told Brentford's official website: "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."
In addition to playing four games for the Flying Eagles at last year's Fifa U20 World Cup in Argentina, Fredrick went the distance in the six games contested by the national team in the Africa U20 Cup of Nations, where he helped Ladan Bosso's team post four clean sheets.
He was not in the matchday squad on Tuesday night as Brentford B thrashed League of Ireland First Division side Bray Wanderers 3-0 at Carlisle Grounds.
Ifeanyi Emmanuel
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