Who is Igor Thiago signed for Brentford as a potential Ivan Toney replacement?

Brentford, a Premier League club, is considered one of the teams with a plethora of promising youngsters who can shine on the big stage in the future. It seems like the club has signed another striker, Igor Thiago for the future.

After the reported signing, questions have been raised over Bretford’s current star striker, Ivan Toney. The speculations and links to big clubs have gone skyrocketing in the last few days and maybe the new signing is a way to show the club’s stand on all of that.

Who is Igor Thiago?

Igor Thiago, born on June 26, 2001, is a Brazilian professional striker who has been playing for the Belgian side Club Brugge in the Jupiler Pro League this season. The striker is from the Cruzeiro youth academy and has been in top-notch form with his side since signing for them from Bulgarian side Ludogorets last summer.

In just 8 months in Belgium, the Brazilian striker, known for his flares, quick dribbles, huge physical presence, and striking ability, is at the top of his game for his club. He has scored 26 goals and provided 4 assists in 40 matches in all competitions for his club this season, which has helped Club Brugge stay in the 3rd position in the league.

Due to such outstanding performances, the striker was in high demand as a low-cost option for many European clubs but Premier League side Brentford went over everyone to sign a pre-agreement for the striker for nearly 32 million euros.

The striker is set to join Brentford in the summer of 2024 and the sale has been a huge profit for the Belgian side Club Brugge because they signed the player for just 7.9 million euros only 8 months ago. The growth in the market value of the player has been astounding and his signing has started raising doubts about another young, talented striker, Ivan Toney.

Igor Thiago’s signing indicates Toney’s potential exit

After the reported pre-transfer of Igor Thiago to Brentford, fans and pundits have started questioning the future of multiple European clubs’ target, Ivan Toney. The Northampton academy product has played for many clubs, including Newcastle United and has been on the radar of many clubs for their potential future striker slots.

The 27-year-old English-Jamaican forward is in form, scoring 3 goals in just 4 matches for Brentford and is a top target for any European club considering future striker options. In the news recently, there have been many names, including the likes of Manchester City, Manchester United, Chelsea, who all are in the race to sign Kaoru Mitoma as well, and Arsenal, who all are linked to a move for the striker.

In recent reports, it was also suggested that Arsenal, who have been linked with the striker for quite a few months, are in pole position to sign him in the upcoming transfer window as they look to cash in on Kai Havertz who has underperformed for their team this season.

Speaking to CaughtOffside, the reputed journalist Rudy Galetti also expressed the same.

“Brentford knows that they will not be able to keep the English striker in the summer and are ready for an auction. Thomas Frank and the board at the West London club are currently evaluating proposals from various suitors that start from around £55million.”

“From Toney’s perspective, he is ready for the big leap to a top Premier League club. He’s been followed for a long time by Manchester United, even though they preferred Rasmus Hojlund last summer.”

“The Red Devils will have competition for his services, however, with Arsenal now well positioned to be able to make a tempting offer to both the Bees and the striker. Despite some previous links with Chelsea, it’s the Gunners that are now fully in the race for the Brentford ace, especially because they will sell Eddie Nketiah at the end of the season.”

After these statements came to light and Arteta’s preference for the striker, Brentford went and signed Igor Thiago which just cemented the base of those claims. It certainly seems like Toney might be on his way to a big summer mover to a big European club, most probably Arsenal.

Do you think this is the right time for Ivan Toney to go for a move to a big European club in his career? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.