We have completed the signing of Scotland international defender Aaron Hickey. The 20-year-old joined The Bees from Bologna late yesterday, Friday 8 July, for an undisclosed fee - subject to international clearance.

He signed a four-year contract and will train with us this morning as the countdown continues to the new Premier League season.

Aaron made his debut for Scotland earlier this year and played for his country in the 2022 FIFA World Cup Qualifying Play-Off match against Ukraine last month as a right wing back. He has also played on the left side for both club and country in his career so far. He has played four times for Scotland and also has caps at Under-17 level.

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.”

Phil Giles, Brentford FC Director of Football, said: “We tried to sign Aaron back in January but unfortunately, as with so many mid-season transfers, it wasn’t possible to complete a deal at that point. We felt it best to wait until the summer and try again, and Aaron was one of our top targets for this window. I’m pleased that we’ve finally managed to sign Aaron and I’m sure he’ll be a big success with us.”

Aaron grew up in Glasgow and spent his youth career with both Celtic and Heart of Midlothian. It was with Hearts that he turned professional and made his debut in the Scottish Premiership when he was 16. His second start, and third appearance, for Hearts was in the Scottish Cup Final against Celtic in 2019, days before his 17th birthday.

He moved to Bologna after one full season with Hearts, when he was 18, and played 11 games in Serie A in a 2020/21 campaign interrupted by injury. Aaron was a regular for Bologna last term, playing in 36 of their 38 games. He also scored five goals from defence in Serie A.