Benjamin Fredrick
BRE
Right Wingback
Center Back
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May 28, 2005 (21)
Right
6'2"
Remains unused in cup win
Fredrick was an unused substitute during Tuesday's EFL Cup win over Reading.
Analysis: Fredrick remains behind other defensive options for now despite being expected to be involved after building fitness levels prior to the midweek game. His short-term path to meaningful minutes is apparently limited for now while he competes for a spot as backup for Kristoffer Ajer and Michael Kayode. The seven-time Nigerian international has yet to make his Brentford debut after returning from an active loan spell at Belgian club FCV Dender.
Set to be involved
Fredrick is expected to be involved in Tuesday's Carabao Cup clash against Reading, according to coach Keith Andrews. "We decided not to play him in the B team game on Sunday to make sure he was in the right place to be available for our game against Reading. I anticipate he'll be involved"
Analysis: Fredrick has yet to make his senior debut for Brentford after spending last season on loan with Belgian side FCV Dender. The center-back has had limited playing time recently but has been building his fitness over the past couple of weeks, with Brentford deliberately holding him out of Sunday's B-team match ahead of the cup tie. Tuesday could provide the 20-year-old with his first opportunity for senior minutes with the club.
Earns first-team promotion
Fredrick has signed a new four-year contract with Brentford, with a club option for a further year, and has been promoted to Keith Andrews' first-team squad, per the club's announcement.
Analysis: Fredrick, a versatile defender who can play centre-back or right-back, came through Brentford B after initially arriving on loan in August 2023, with the move made permanent in April 2024. He has represented Nigeria at senior level, starting the final four matches of their World Cup qualifying campaign along with the African play-off semifinal win over Gabon, before Nigeria lost the play-off final to DR Congo on penalties. He spent 2025-26 on loan at FCV Dender in Belgium, making 15 appearances before a knee injury ended that loan early in mid-November. Andrews said Fredrick's immediate priority is building up consistent match fitness given the injury layoff before he can push for a place in and around the first-team squad, with the club viewing him as a player with real long-term potential rather than an immediate regular starter.
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