Deji Sotona completes loan move to Brentford from Nice as Bees confirm that ex-Man United winger will initially play for B side and the club have an option to buy if youngster impressed
- Deji Sotana was regarded as one of the fastest players at Man United’s academy
- Republic of Ireland youth international impressed Brentford staff recently
- It is also understood United also gave glowing references for the teenager
- He will link up with former United academy team-mate Max Haygarth at Bees
Brentford have signed former Manchester United winger Deji Sotona, 19, on loan from Nice with an option to buy.
Sotona was regarded as one of the fastest players at Manchester United’s academy during his time there and has impressed Brentford staff during a recent spell training with the club.
It is understood United also gave glowing references for the teenager after Brentford made further checks last week.
Brentford are in talks with Nice over a deal for ex-Manchester United winger Deji Sotona
It is likely to be a loan with obligation for the Republic of Ireland youth international
He will link up with former United academy team-mate Max Haygarth who joined Brentford last year after a trial.
Brentford B Head Coach Neil MacFarlane said: ‘Deji has electrifying speed and we’ve been interested in him prior to his move to Nice. Our recruitment team have done a fantastic job in producing a trial game recently with the highest performing players.
‘He did really well and we’re pleased to bring him in. It’s a good opportunity for Deji to keep his career moving forwards.
‘We will push him relentlessly, as we do with all of our players, and hopefully he can have a really fruitful time here. He eliminates players with his speed, he likes to get at defenders, and hopefully he can add goals and assists at the top end of the pitch. We hope that Deji can buy into the culture within our group and if he can do that then we believe he can bring something to this Club.’
Sotona scored four goals and recorded two assists in 15 U18 Premier League appearances for Man United in the 2019-20 season.
He then joined Ligue 1 outfit Nice in September, 2020.
Republic of Ireland youth international impressed Thomas Frank’s staff in recent training spell
He will link up with ex United academy team-mate Max Haygarth who joined Brentford in 2021
