REPUBLIC OF IRELAND defender Nathan Collins has signed for Brentford for a club-record undisclosed fee. Collins has agreed to a six-year contract, with a club option for an additional two years.
The Ireland starlet is the Bees' second first-team acquisition of the summer, following the arrival of goalkeeper Mark Flekken last month.
The Lexlip native only moved to Wolves from Burnley for €23.87m last summer. He had spent only one season at Burnley after joining them from Stoke City in the summer of 2021.
Collins made 31 appearances for Wolves last season, helping them to finish 13th in the top flight. However, he lost his place in the side and has decided to move to London.
Head coach Thomas Frank, speaking on the club's website, praised the Irishman and said, "He's a very talented centre-back and still young.
"He has a lot of very good abilities that we value a lot. He's a composed and calm defender. His heading in both boxes is a big thing, both in open play and from set-pieces, which is massive in the Premier League," Frank added.
"I also like his ability on the ball. He can carry the ball out of defence and also has the composure to find the right pass during build-up play.
"His character is really good, and we know that character is everything. He will fit into our culture, I have no doubt about that. I see leadership potential in Nathan. He's a perfect Brentford player - hungry and ambitious with a desire to learn."
🇮🇪 We've completed the signing of Republic of Ireland international Nathan Collins on a six-year deal
— Brentford FC (@BrentfordFC) July 4, 2023
Collins revealed that Frank's vision and plans going forward convinced him to choose Brentford as his next club.
"I talked with the manager and a few of the backroom staff about the project here. It's a club on the rise, and I can see where they want to go. It's exciting to be here," said Collins in his first interview with the club.
"I like to play football. I want to dribble, play, and create. It starts at the back. I can play long balls and short balls. But, at the end of the day, I'm a defender, and I have to head the ball, win it, and win my challenges.
"[Me and Thomas Frank] have talked a lot. He's said what he likes about me and has a plan in place."
The move comes weeks after Collins picked up the Senior Men's International Player of the Year at the 33rd FAI International Awards in June.
Brentford and Collins' first game back will be against Tottenham Hotspur on August 13.
