Brentford have completed the signing of highly-rated defender Nathan Collins from Wolves for a record fee.
The prolific Irish defender is joining the Bees for £23m transfer fee, signing a six-year deal until 2029 as he opens a new chapter in his football career.
The Irish footballer played an integral role as Wolves beat the odds to survive relegation last season and finished 13th on the Premier League table.
He made 31 appearances for the club after joining the Molineux-based side last summer.
Speaking at the unveiling of the player, Brenford manager, Thomas Frank expressed his delight in signing the 22-year-old and commends his technical abilities and creativity at the back.
“I’m very pleased we’ve managed to sign Nathan,” said head coach Thomas Frank.
“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.
“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.”
Collins is joining Brenford as the most expensive Irish player. He is the third signing by Thomas Frank this summer and the second player to leave Wolves this summer after Portugal midfielder Ruben Neves left the club to Al Hilal.
Brentford’s other two signings are Kevin Schade who previously joined the club on loan from Freiburg in Germany. After an impressive first season with the Bees, the club have signed him permanently for £22m.
Also joining the Bees this summer is Dutch goalkeeper, Mark Flekken who is joining the club also from Freiburg for £11m.
Who is Nathan Collins?
Nathan Collins is a professional Irish footballer, who plays as a center-back for Brenford and Republic of Ireland national team.
Collins made his first senior club debut for Stoke City in 2019. He made 39 appearances for the club, scoring 2 goals. He joined Burnley in 2021 and recorded 19 appearances for the Seagulls with 2 goals.
In 2022, Nathan Collins joined Wolves in the Premier League and have made 26 Premier League appearances for the club before joining Brentford.
National team stats
Nathan Collins made his national team debut with Republic of Ireland national team in 2021 and has won 14 caps, scoring 2 goals.
Nathan Collins style of play
Nathan Collins is popularly known as the Irish bulldozer at the defense. He is known for his stamina and confidence with the ball.
His ball distribution and creativity makes him a good fit for a possessive style of football which builds the press from the back to the opponent’s half.
Collins is also a good dribbler and can create spaces and maneuver through tight spaces easily.
His 1.98m height is also an added advantage which makes him suitable for aerial duels and blocks.
Nathan Collins’ Brentford contract
Nathan Collins has signed a six-year contract with Brentford. Details of his weekly and annual wage is yet to be disclosed.
