Brentford seal first signing as Prem club, as ‘dominant midfielder’ joins

Frank Onyeka, Xherdan Shaqiri TEAMtalk

Brentford have made their first signing as a Premier League club by bringing in Nigeria midfielder Frank Onyeka.

The 23-year-old has joined from FC Midtjylland, where Bees owner Matthew Benham is the majority shareholder, for an undisclosed fee. Onyeka, who has passed a medical and received a work permit, has signed a five-year contract in west London.

He played in both of Midtjylland’s Champions League matches against Liverpool last season, a 1-1 draw in Denmark and a 2-0 defeat at Anfield.

Bees boss Thomas Frank told the club website: “I am looking forward to getting Frank in the building.

“We think he is a strong addition to the squad, and we are looking forward to working with him. He is a very dynamic player.

“Frank plays as an eight in our system. He is very good at getting from box to box and will be valuable to us when we don’t have the ball.

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“He has come from the Danish league and was one of the best midfield players in that league. We think he has the potential to develop further.

“All the coaches here are looking forward to working with Frank and pushing him to a higher level.”

Bees director praises ‘dominant’ Onyeka

Rasmus Ankersen, Brentford FC Co-Director of Football, added: “Frank Onyeka is a player we, for obvious reasons, know very well.

“Over the last two years he has grown to become the dominant midfielder in the Danish league and his performances in the Champions League last season convinced us that he is ready for the Premier League.

“With his pace, power and ability to win the ball I am sure Frank will be a great addition to the Brentford squad.”

Onyeka arrived in London on Monday and will now undergo a period of quarantine before linking up with his new team-mates.

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