Brentford confirm signing of Aaron Hickey from Bologna

Brentford have confirmed the signing of Scotland international defender Aaron Hickey from Serie A side Bologna on a four-year contract.

90min revealed in mid-June that the Bees were preparing a move for the versatile full-back having missed out on primary target Rasmus Kristensen to Leeds earlier in the window.

After he successfully passed a medical, Brentford have now tied up a deal for 20-year-old Hickey for an initial fee of £14m, although add-ons could make the transfer worth £20m.

Brentford announced Hickey's arrival on Saturday morning after the move was completed on Friday. The Scot has penned a contract until 2026.

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Speaking to Brentford's official website, head coach Thomas Frank said: “I am very pleased that we have managed to sign Aaron. What he has already achieved in his career is very impressive. He is only 20 and has played a full season in Scotland as well as almost two seasons in Serie A.

“We think that Aaron is a player with great potential, who already has an impressive number of games at a good level under his belt. We believe that we have proven we are a good club for players to maximise their potential. We think we can help him be even better.

“Aaron is a rare thing in modern football in that he is equally good with both feet. He is technically very sound and is good when he has the ball in tight areas. He is an attacking full back that has good creativity, he is a great crosser of the ball, and scored goals in Serie A last year. Having played two years in Italy, we know he will have good defensive traits. There are areas to improve and we are looking forward to having him with us so we can be part of his development as a player.”

Hickey - who recently emerged as a starter for Scotland - is capable of operating on both sides of defence and at wing-back. He poses an attacking threat, too - netting five times in 34 starts for Bologna last season.