Elite clubs circle Brentford’s breakout star Igor Thiago

Brentford's Igor Thiago has become the center of attention across European football after establishing himself as one of the Premier League's most dangerous finishers this season. The 24-year-old Brazilian striker, who has scored 17 league goals this campaign, has caught the eye of some of the continent's biggest clubs even after committing his future to the London club with a new contract.

Manchester City, Chelsea and Bayern Munich are all monitoring Thiago's progress closely, according to reports from transfer insiders. The interest comes despite Brentford announcing on February 13 that Thiago had signed a new deal keeping him at the club until at least the summer of 2031, with an option for a further year.

Background

Thiago's rise has been nothing short of remarkable given where he started at Brentford. The striker joined the club from Club Brugge in 2024 for a reported fee of around 33 million euros. His first year in English football was disrupted by serious knee injuries that hampered his early development and kept him sidelined for much of the 2024-25 season.

However, under Brentford manager Keith Andrews, Thiago has transformed into a different player this season. He has appeared in almost every league match and has become the focal point of Brentford's attack. His 17 Premier League goals puts him second only to Manchester City's Erling Haaland in the scoring charts. The Brazilian has already set the record for most goals scored by a Brazilian player in a single Premier League season with 12 matches still remaining on the calendar.

Thiago was named the Premier League Player of the Month in November 2025 and scored his first top-flight hat-trick against Everton in January. His performances have also drawn attention from Brazil's national team setup, with reports suggesting he is in contention for Carlo Ancelotti's squad for the World Cup.

Key Details

The Contract Situation

Brentford moved quickly to reward Thiago's success by offering him a bumper new contract that makes him the highest-paid player at the club. The deal runs until the summer of 2031 and includes a one-year extension option in the club's favor. Sources close to Brentford indicate the club is delighted with the agreement and genuinely believes Thiago has the potential to become the best striker in world football.

Thiago himself expressed his commitment to the club and the people there.

"I love the club and the people in the club. It's a true love, a real love. When the fans support me, and I see them singing my name and singing my song, it gives me more power. I'm really happy for all of the love they have given to me. It means so much." – Igor Thiago

Manager Keith Andrews also praised the striker following the announcement.

"It's brilliant that Thiago has committed his long-term future to the club. The connection that he has with his teammates, the staff and the fans, as well as how much the club means to him and he means to us, is pretty evident for everybody to see." – Keith Andrews

Why the Big Clubs Are Interested

Manchester City's director of football, Hugo Viana, is conducting due diligence on Thiago as the Premier League champions plan for the future of their number nine position. Chelsea has also added him to their list of targets. Bayern Munich are considering him as they plan for life after striker Harry Kane.

Every major club in Europe has watched Thiago closely over the last six months, and he has done nothing but enhance his reputation with each match. His goal-scoring record, combined with his age and potential for further development, makes him an attractive prospect for clubs looking to invest in their future.

Though Thiago and his representatives are aware of the interest from elite clubs, sources indicate they are not pushing for a move in the short or medium term. He is described as very happy at Brentford and believes he can achieve his immediate goals with the club.

What This Means

Brentford's position has strengthened considerably with Thiago's new contract. The long-term deal until 2031 gives the club significant use in any future negotiations. If a club wants to sign Thiago, they would need to pay a substantial fee to pry him away from the Gtech Community Stadium.

For Thiago himself, the new contract represents validation of his hard work after a difficult first season. He has overcome serious injuries to become one of the Premier League's elite strikers. The deal also provides financial security and the opportunity to continue developing at a club where he feels valued.

Brentford's remarkable season has surprised many observers. The club lost several key players last summer, including captain Christian Norgaard and top scorers Bryan Mbeumo and Yoane Wissa, along with manager Thomas Frank. Many had tipped the club for the drop. Instead, Thiago's emergence has helped Brentford sit seventh in the table and remain in contention for European football next season.

The situation also highlights how quickly a player can become a target for the biggest clubs once they establish themselves at the highest level. Thiago's journey from an injury-plagued debut season to becoming one of the league's top scorers in just 18 months shows what is possible with talent, determination and the right environment.