Aaron Hickey

Key strength: Adaptability

Versatile player

At just 23 years old, Aaron Hickey embodies everything Brentford's shrewd recruitment model stands for—signed from Bologna in July 2022 for £14m (rising to £18m), the Scottish international arrived as the club's second most-expensive signing ever. Now plying his trade for a Brentford side sitting 7th in the Premier League table, Hickey has established himself as a modern, two-footed full-back who offers genuine tactical flexibility down the right flank. With 20 appearances this season—racking up 790 minutes—Hickey has contributed 1 goal while maintaining defensive discipline with only 2 yellow cards. His market value of €16m already exceeds his initial transfer fee, vindicating the Bees' investment. Operating as an overlapping full-back, Hickey combines pace and recovery abilities to patrol Brentford's right flank, developing a promising understanding with teammates like Nathan Collins and Mathias Jensen. Though yet to add an assist to his tally, his ability to invert or overlap gives Brentford tactical unpredictability. As one of Scotland's brightest defensive prospects, Hickey continues to justify the faith placed in him—proving that smart recruitment and player development can compete at the highest level.