Former Manchester United academy star Deji Sotona has joined Brentford on loan until the end of the season.
The Irish winger will join up with the Bees’ B team after completing the move from his parent club Nice on deadline day.
Thomas Frank’s side also have the option of signing the 19-year-old on a permanent deal at the end of the campaign.
Sotona joins the London outfit following a trial period with the young Bees.
Discussing Sotona’s arrival on loan, Brentford B head coach Neil MacFarlane told the club’s official website: “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 will link up with former Manchester United academy teammates Ben Hockenhull and Max Haygarth at the Brentford Community Stadium.
Several of Sotona’s former Reds teammates have reacted to his return to England.
The teenager left Old Trafford in late 2020, in the quest for first-team football elsewhere, despite being offered a new three-year contract.
He joined Ligue 1 side Nice, who were managed by Crystal Palace manager Patrick Vieira at the time.
However, he is yet to make his Nice first-team debut, despite training with the senior side.
According to the Telegraph, Sotona saw a move to Chelsea fall through during the summer transfer window.
During his time at United, Sotona was clocked as the club’s fastest player with a stunning top speed of 22.9mph.
He Sotona scored five goals and made two assists from 20 under-18 appearances, which included a goal at Old Trafford in the FA Youth Cup, and he only made his debut for the club’s under-23 side.
After a frustrating spell in France following his Manchester United exit, Sotona will be hoping a return to England can reignite his career.
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