Brentford B have confirmed the signing of Finland youth international Jaakko Oksanen. Jaakko has joined The Bees from Helsingin Jalkapalloklubi, better known as HJK Helsinki, subject to international clearance. The 17-year-old midfield player completed a medical on Friday and finalised his move to West London for an undisclosed fee late yesterday, Saturday 13 January. Jaakko has signed a two-and-a-half-year contract.

Jaakko has been playing for Klubi 04, HJK’s reserve team that plays in the third tier of Finnish football. He made his debut for HJK’s First Team in October, prior to his 17th birthday. Despite only being 17, he is currently part of the Finland Under-19 squad, alongside new Brentford B team mate Marcus Forss.

Jaakko made his Under-17 debut against Georgia in October and has five caps at that level. He has also represented his country at Under-16, Under-17 and Under-18 level. Jaakko will be hoping to be part of the Finland squad when his country hosts the UEFA European Under-19 Championships next summer.

Robert Rowan, Brentford FC Head of Football Operations, said: “Jaakko is someone we have been monitoring for quite some time so we are delighted to confirm his signing today and look forward to him joining up with the squad next week. Jaakko can play as a defensive or central midfielder, he’s an intelligent boy who reads the game very well whether it be breaking up play, anticipating the second ball or breaking lines with his passing. We have been really impressed with his mentality, he’s very focussed about his career and enjoys working hard in order to improve.

“We need to be mindful that he is currently in pre-season in Finland so it will be the case of slowly building him up to 90 minutes. Hopefully this will be around the time where we head to Ireland to play Dundalk and Shamrock Rovers.”