Brentford have announced that they have completed the signing of Wolverhampton Wanderers defender Nathan Collins.
The Bees have already been proactive in the transfer market this summer, activating the release clause of Freiburg goalkeeper Mark Flekken who is expected to become the club's new number one.
However, Thomas Frank has now trumped that addition with the signing of Collins for what Brentford describe as a "club-record undisclosed fee".
Widespread reports have suggested that the West Londoners have agreed to shell out a fee in the region of £23m for a player who leaves Molineux after just one season.
On the back of moving to Wolves from Burnley for £20.5m, the Republic of Ireland international made 19 starts and seven substitute outings in the Premier League.
Nevertheless, the 22-year-old was frequently named on the substitutes' bench after the arrival of Julen Lopetegui, with the Spaniard preferring to start Craig Dawson and Max Kilman.
✍ Welcome to Brentford, Nathan Collins pic.twitter.com/FnraLE7asi
— Brentford FC (@BrentfordFC) July 4, 2023
Rather than give Collins the chance to fight for his place, Wolves have taken the opportunity to make a profit on last year's deal, allowing Collins to pen a six-year contract at the Gtech Community Stadium.
Speaking after the announcement of the transfer, Frank told the club's official website: "I'm very pleased that we've managed to sign Nathan. 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.
"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."
With Brentford often switching between a back three and four, Collins will now challenge Kristoffer Ajer, Ethan Pinnock, Ben Mee and Zanka for a starting spot.
Darren Plant
