By Pranav Shahaney

2nd Jul, 2022 | 3:00pm

View: Aaron Hickey ideal Rico Henry upgrade at Brentford

Brentford are reportedly set to sign 20-year-old Bologna left-back Aaron Hickey, making him their first major signing of the summer.

According to Fabrizio Romano, he will be joining on a five-year deal for a fee worth £14million plus add-ons.

The Scotland international will now travel to England and complete his medical before he official is a Bees player.

Via his personal Twitter account, Romano wrote, “Brentford are set to sign Aaron Hickey on permanent deal. Scottish talented fullback will join for £14m plus add-ons to Bologna. Five year deal agreed… and here we go.

“Hickey will travel to England next week in order to undergo medical tests and sign.”

Rico Henry was the Bees’ first-choice left-back throughout their Championship run and Thomas Frank valued his loyalty by giving him first-team duties in the Premier League as well.

While Henry did not disappoint, he also did not set the world alight and would not be classed as one of the better performing left-backs of the 2021/22 campaign.

In Hickey, there’s a very good chance that the Bees can brag about that feat.

His offensive stats mentioned above clearly show that he’s much better going forward and he can also offer a goal threat along with setting up chances for the attackers.

Defensively too, he looks like a clear upgrade on the Englishman, especially in terms of his tackling and blocking abilities.

It’s a no-brainer for Brentford to bring him in and for the first season, he will not even take up any squad places as he’ll be registered as an under-21s player.

In other Brentford news, they aim to make Hull forward Lewis-Potter their record signing.