Brentford reach ‘private agreement’ to sell Igor Thiago after twist
Igor Thiago has put pen to paper on a new contract at Brentford amid what has been a terrific season for him, but that may not rule out his sale.
The 24-year-old has scored 17 goals in 26 Premier League games so far this season, placing him on the radar of top clubs including Newcastle and Tottenham.
As a result, former Man United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that Brentford may have a private agreement that he could be sold if an appropriate offer arrives.
Thiago‘s new contract is set to run until 2031, while Brentford also have the option for an extra year, meaning any deal would have to involve a significant fee.
Keith Andrews remains reluctant to lose their top scorer despite being open to the possibility, but trust in their transfer strategy and believe they could deal with his departure.
Igor Thiago could leave Brentford despite contract extension
Brown told Football Insider last month that the Premier League’s biggest clubs are looking at Thiago and have been impressed by his goalscoring record this season.
Agreeing new terms with Brentford is believed to have deterred that interest and boosted his price tag, but should not be taken as ruling out his departure.
“I don’t think the new contract means he is definitely staying,” Brown told Football Insider.
“I think there might be a private agreement to say, ‘Sign a new contract on better terms, but if somebody comes in with big money, we’ll let you go’.
“That’s the type of club Brentford are, they’re not shy to move their best players on if the right offer comes in and then they go an replace them.
“Their record tells you they’ve been very successful in doing that.
“I can imagine that’s something that’s happened behind the scenes because it’s something that could work out for both parties.
“Brentford know they’ll get a bigger fee for him if somebody does come in, they’re not going to be under any pressure to let him go unless the price is right.
“And Thiago gets a wage boost in the meantime, a nice long contract which gives him more security, but if somebody does come in for him he won’t be held hostage.”
Brentford believe they could replace Thiago if needed
Brentford’s belief that selling Thiago would not be the end of the world comes from their recent history of selling and replacing top strikers.
The likes of Ollie Watkins, Neal Maupay and Ivan Toney have all left the West London club in recent years, but none of them have been missed.
The Bees’ transfer strategy mean they have often identified or even made moves for hidden gems who fit their style of play and can ease the pressure of the departures.
This was shown against when Bryan Mbeumo left to join Man United in the summer, while Yoane Wissa joined Newcastle, but Brentford are thriving in their absence.
Thiago’s emergence as a top centre-forward has further proven this theory and the club would be backed again to replace him with another star.
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