Kildare's Nathan Collins breaks Irish transfer record with £23million move to Brentford

Nathan Collins of Republic of Ireland during the UEFA EURO 2024 Championship qualifying group B match between Republic of Ireland and Gibraltar at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin. Photo by Michael P Ryan

placeholder image — Nathan Collins of Republic of Ireland during the UEFA EURO 2024 Championship qualifying group B match between Republic of Ireland and Gibraltar at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin. Photo by Michael P Ryan

Leixlip's Nathan Collins has completed his £23million move to Brentford from Wolverhampton Wanderers. The fee is a record for an Irish player, as well as being the most expensive signing in Collins' new club's history.

The 22 year-old joined Wolves last year for around £20million from Burnley. Collins has earned 14 caps for his country and played 26 top-flight games for his club last season, the second most of any Irish player in the Premier League, behind Gavin Bazunu.

Brentford manager Thomas Frank referred to his new signing as "a very talented centre-back and still young."

Collins joins an intelligently operated club in Brentford and with club-record fee being paid, it is likely that the Leixlip man will be in a regular starting role for a side who finish ninth in the Premier League last year.