Brentford has officially confirmed the acquisition of Igor Thiago from Club Brugge on a lucrative five-year deal, with the transfer fee estimated to be around £30 million.
The Brazilian forward has showcased his prowess by netting 16 goals in 24 appearances in the Belgium Pro League. Scheduled to join Brentford on 1 July, Thiago’s signing has been hailed by the club’s manager, Thomas Frank, who expressed his excitement, stating that Thiago is an exceptional addition to their team.
The announcement follows speculation surrounding the future of Ivan Toney at Brentford. Toney, who recently returned to action after serving a lengthy betting ban, has attracted interest from clubs like Chelsea and Arsenal, with talks of a potential departure in the summer.
Frank acknowledged the likelihood of Toney’s departure, emphasizing the financial implications of selling their star player, especially given his contractual situation. However, Frank also highlighted Toney’s exceptional talent, suggesting that he ranks among the best strikers globally.
At 22 years old, Thiago brings a wealth of experience from his stints at Cruzeiro in Brazil and Ludogorets in Bulgaria. Frank praised the 6ft 2in forward for his work ethic, pressing ability, physical presence, and adeptness in both the box and link-up play. He also credited the club’s management for their proactive approach in securing Thiago’s signature, noting their foresight in addressing a key position in the team.
