Brentford complete the signing of Republic of Ireland international Nathan Collins

The Leixlip native has joined the London side from Wolverhampton Wanderers on a six-year deal for an undisclosed fee. 

The centre back had spent one season in the Midlands and made 31 appearances for Wolves. He becomes the sixth first team player to leave the club as The Wanderers are in need to raise funds to comply with financial fair play rules. 

Collins has represented the Republic of Ireland on 14 occasions and was recently named the FAI’s men’s Player of the Year.

On the acquisition of the Kildare man, Brentford head coach Thomas Frank stated his delight when speaking to the club’s media team. 

“I’m very pleased that we’ve managed to sign Nathan,” said head coach Frank. “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 the completion of the transfer, Collins breaks the Irish transfer record once again with the deal rumoured to be around the £23 million mark. 

When asked about signing for the Bees, the 22-year old stated: “It feels good. It’s been going on a while now so I’m happy we’re over the line.

“I talked with the manager and a few of the backroom staff about the project here. It’s a club on the rise and I can see where they want to go. It’s exciting to be here.

“I like to play football. I want to dribble, play and create. It starts at the back. I can play long balls and short balls. But, at the end of the day, I’m a defender and I have to head the ball, win it and win my challenges.

“[Me and Thomas Frank] have talked a lot. He’s said what he likes about me and has a plan in place.”

The news of Collins transfer will be a boost to Irish manager Stephen Kenny as the centre back had struggled for game time since the arrival of Julen Lopetegui at Wolves. 

Collins has become a key player under Kenny and scored in the latest international break in the 2-1 European Qualifier loss to Greece in Athens. 

Gavin Bazunu to help launch Hoops Boot Room initiative https://t.co/PKzv3QJ3zApic.twitter.com/dlRmUghs5z

— Extratime.com (@ExtratimeNews) July 3, 2023