Brentford have released their academy retained and released list, confirming the futures of three players of Nigerian descent as the club prepares for the upcoming season. Val Adedokun, Benjamin Fredrick, and Gregory Asemokhai are the key names affected, with two players retained and one released. The decisions reflect the club’s ongoing efforts to manage squad depth and development pathways within their youth and reserve structures.
Val Adedokun, a 23-year-old left-back of Nigerian descent, is currently in contract discussions with Brentford. Though he has yet to make his senior debut for the Bees, he has been named in matchday squads on seven occasions, including five in the Premier League. His development has been impacted by loan spells and injury setbacks. He spent time on loan at Hungarian side Diósgyőri VTK and League Two club Cheltenham Town in search of regular playing time. Last season, a long-term injury further disrupted his progress, delaying his breakthrough at the senior level.
Benjamin Fredrick, a centre-back with Super Eagles experience, has been retained by Brentford. The defender, who previously played for the Flying Eagles, had a challenging season marred by injuries. His most recent competitive appearance came in the final of the 2026 World Cup African playoffs against the Democratic Republic of Congo in November 2025. During the 2025–26 season, Fredrick was on loan at Belgian club FCV Dender EH, where he made 15 appearances across all competitions — 14 in the Jupiler Pro League and one in the Croky Cup. His contract with Brentford remains active until June 30, 2028, with a club option for the 2028–2029 season.
In contrast, defender Gregory Asemokhai has been released by the club. His contract is set to expire at the end of the month, marking the end of his time at Brentford’s academy. The decision highlights the club’s focus on streamlining its squad and prioritizing players with clear pathways to first-team involvement.
The retention of Fredrick and the ongoing talks with Adedokun signal Brentford’s commitment to nurturing young talent, especially those with international potential. Meanwhile, Asemokhai’s release underscores the competitive nature of academy football, where performance and availability often determine a player’s future. As the new season approaches, these decisions will shape the depth and structure of Brentford’s youth and reserve teams. The club’s approach to player development continues to be a key part of their long-term strategy in English football.
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