Gennaro Gattuso Left With Decision To Make Over Michael Kayode As Italian Prepares For New Premier League Deal
Michael Kayode could be in for a big 2026 as an international call-up and new deal await.
Louis Fargher
Updated on 09 December 2025
Gennaro Gattuso may hand an international debut to Michael Kayode ahead of the 2026 World Cup, as the Italian continues to impress in England.
Gennaro Gattuso Considers Michael Kayode Call-Up
After an impressive spell in the Premier League, Michael Kayode could be handed his first senior international call-up for the Italian national team.
The Azzurri will go head-to-head with Northern Ireland in the World Cup playoff semi-finals on March 26th and Gennaro Gattuso will be well aware of the pressure going into the match.
Italy finished second in Group I of the World Cup qualification stage and could be set for some major changes going into 2026, with Kayode being one of the biggest talking points.
The 21-year-old has enjoyed a superb campaign with Brentford this season, starting in every Premier League match and becoming a fan favorite in the English capital.
Kayode has represented Italy at U-19, U-19 and U-21 level, but the Brentford star is yet to pick-up his first senior cap for the Azzurri and this could change under Gennaro Gattuso.
A host of Premier League stars are set to feature for Italy on March 26th, with the likes of Sandro Tonali, Guglielmo Vicario and Destiny Udogie all looking for a place in the squad.
Interestingly, Tonali is considering a move back to Serie A ahead of the 2026 World Cup and the midfielder may provide a further insight into Kayode’s qualities after playing against the youngster.
The right-back position has been governed by Giovanni Di Lorenzo for multiple years, but the Napoli star has seen a dip in performance this season – causing Gattuso to bring in the likes of Raoul Bellanova.
Gattuso is yet to find a regular starter in this position and Kayode could take full advantage of going into 2026, especially after rumors over a new deal in the Premier League.
Brentford To Offer Michael Kayode New Deal
Brentford signed the Italian defender for €17.5million in July after Kayode’s impressive loan spell towards the end of last season and the Bees are looking to tie the 21-year-old down even further.
Kayode’s deal with Brentford does not expire until June 20230, but Keith Andrews is hoping to extend this contract even further as the Italian continues to attract interest from across Europe.
Newcastle have been linked with a move for the youngster after rumors over a Tino Livramento exit and Kayode has also caught the eye of several Serie A sides.
Fiorentina are considering the idea of bringing Kayode back to Florence, however, La Viola are on track for the lowest points tally in Serie A history and the Brentford star may be deterred by his former side’s situation.
The Bees have reportedly set an asking price of €35-40m for their star defender and this fee will only increase if Kayode signs an extended deal in West London.
Louis Fargher
Louis has been an avid soccer enthusiast for multiple years and boasts knowledge across several leagues in Europe - including Serie A. Louis holds a degree in Soccer Journalism and has produced content for multiple clubs in the United Kingdom.
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