Premier League club Brentford has secured the signing of Brazilian striker Igor Thiago from Club Brugge. The transfer, completed on July 1, 2024, set a club-record fee of £30 million.
Thiago is not only breaking Brentford’s transfer record but also making history as the first Brazilian player to join the club. Reports indicate that Brentford pursued the 23-year-old striker in anticipation of English forward Ivan Toney’s potential departure.
This upcoming season is the final year of Toney’s contract with Brentford, and he is reportedly looking to move to a bigger club rather than signing a new deal. Thiago is expected to fill the void if Toney leaves this summer. Reflecting his importance to the team, Brentford has assigned the number nine shirt to Thiago. This number was previously worn by forward Kevin Schade, who will now wear the number seven shirt.
Before joining Brentford, Thiago scored 18 goals in 34 Belgian league matches for Club Brugge. He was also named the best young player in the UEFA Conference League last season.
“I’m very happy to have signed for Brentford and to get to know the club,” Thiago said. “It’s an immense source of happiness for me, to be able to play for this club in the Premier League.”
He added, “Throughout my career since I left Brazil, I’ve been looking to gain good energy, win titles, make a name for myself, and make history.”
