Brentford have completed the signing of Nigerian-born Irish attacker Chiedozie Ogbene, subject to international clearance. The 20-year-old finalised his move late yesterday, Monday 29 January, after completing a medical. Chiedozie had been on trial with The Bees earlier this month and has signed a three-and-a-half-year contract after an undisclosed fee was agreed with League of Ireland side Limerick FC for his transfer.

Chiedozie moved to Ireland in 2005 and began his career with Cork City. He made his professional debut aged 18 in a 1-0 win over Bohemians on the final day of the 2015 league season. The following campaign he appeared eight times for the Rebel Army in the league, scoring his first goal in a 3-0 win over Shamrock Rovers, as Cork secured a second-place finish. He also featured twice off the bench, including an appearance in the Final, as Cork won the FAI Cup as well as playing in all four of City’s UEFA Youth League matches.

The 2017 season was a breakthrough campaign for Chiedozie after his January move to Limerick. He made 32 league appearances for the Super Blues, 29 of them from the start, scoring eight goals. He also played every minute of Limerick’s run to the FAI Cup semi-final, netting in the First Round win over Cobh Ramblers. In total, he made 37 competitive appearances last season, scoring ten goals, to add to his 15 appearances and three goals with Cork.

Dean Smith, Brentford FC Head Coach, said: “We have been monitoring Chiedozie for quite a while and we like what he can bring. He came over to train with us and we could see that his personality and character ticked all the boxes for us. We are looking forward to working with him and seeing how he develops.”

Phil Giles, Brentford FC Co-Director of Football, added: "I'd like to welcome Chiedozie to Brentford. I'd like to think that we have a strong reputation for buying and developing young players, and so we look forward to seeing Chiedozie working hard to improve and contribute to the Club over the coming seasons."