Aaron Hickey has completed his move from Bologna to the English Premier League with Brentford - with Hearts set to land a sell-on bonus for the full-back.
The Scotland international has made the move for an undisclosed fee - signing a four-year deal with The Bees. He will hook up with former Celtic defender Kristoffer Ajer who made the move last summer. The 20-year-old had a stunning season in Italy's top flight last term featuring 36 times in Serie A, finding the net five times and providing one assist.
The right wing back was handed his full international debut from Steve Clarke earlier this year and played in the World Cup play-off defeat to Ukraine last month. He has picked up four caps to date as he gets set for his next adventure in England's top flight. New boss Thomas Frank has described the youngster as a 'rare thing' in modern football as hailed his qualities and potential.
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Speaking to Brentford's official website, Hickey's new boss 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.”
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