Nigeria international Benjamin Fredrick says he is determined to make his Premier League debut after signing a new long-term contract with Brentford and earning promotion to the club’s first-team squad.
The Premier League side announced that the 21-year-old defender has committed his future to the club by signing a new four-year contract, with Brentford also holding the option to extend the agreement by an additional year.
The new deal comes after Fredrick impressed with Brentford’s B team and joined Keith Andrews’ senior squad during pre-season preparations.
For the young Nigerian, the contract represents another important milestone in a career that continues to gather momentum and highlights the growing impact of African talent in the Premier League.
Speaking after putting pen to paper, Fredrick described the moment as one of the proudest of his career.
“It’s a great feeling. I’m happy and proud of myself, and my family are proud of me as well,” Fredrick told the club’s official website.
The defender also reflected on his development since arriving in west London, admitting he initially needed time to adapt to a new environment and style of football.
“The club has helped me a lot. When I came here, I was a little bit nervous and shy. I didn’t know how to do the basics because where I’m from is a little bit different to here.”
Fredrick reserved particular praise for Neil MacFarlane, his former coach with Brentford’s B team, who has since become an assistant first-team coach.
He credited MacFarlane with helping him settle into life at the club and encouraging him during difficult moments.
“Especially Neil when I first came here. He always encouraged me, never shouted when I made mistakes and just told me to keep my head down and keep playing. He’s helped me grow as a player and a person as well.”
The promotion to Brentford’s senior squad offers Fredrick the opportunity to compete for his first Premier League appearance, a target he says is now firmly in his sights.
“I just want to keep pushing and learning every single day,” added the 21-year-old.
“My aim is to make my debut with the first team, get Premier League minutes and give my best when I have the opportunity.”
The new contract is a reward for the defender’s progress within Brentford’s development system.
Having established himself with the B team, Fredrick has now taken another step towards becoming a regular member of the first-team squad.
For Brentford, the decision to hand the Nigerian a long-term contract reflects the club’s confidence in his potential and commitment to developing young players.
For Nigerian football, Fredrick’s progress represents another encouraging story as more players from the country continue to establish themselves in one of the world’s most competitive leagues.
