Brentford’s most expensive signing, striker Thiago, has only played eight matches in the Premier League; he suffered knee injuries
Striker Igor Thiago ended his first season in English football with a feeling of overcoming. The 23-year-old, who became the most expensive signing in Brentford’s history, assessed his first year at the club. “This season was, without a doubt, the most challenging and, at the same time, one of the most important of my life. Making my debut in the Premier League, after everything I’ve been through, is a huge source of pride. It wasn’t the way I imagined, with that regular sequence from the beginning, but being able to come back and help the team after such a difficult time gives me even more strength for what lies ahead.”
Before arriving in England, Thiago built a distinguished career in Brazil and Europe. Revealed by Cruzeiro, he played 64 matches for the Minas Gerais club, scoring 10 goals and providing three assists. He then went on to his first international experience at Ludogorets in Bulgaria, where he won three titles: the League, the Cup and the Bulgarian Super Cup. In 2023, Thiago transferred to Club Brugge in Belgium and enjoyed one of his most goal-scoring spells: 29 goals and six assists in 55 games, in addition to lifting the Belgian League trophy.
All this performance caught the attention of Brentford, who signed him in July 2024 for 30 million pounds (R$ 212 million at the exchange rate at the time), according to the English press. Igor Thiago made history by becoming the first Brazilian to wear the club’s shirt and the most expensive signing in the English team’s 135-year existence.
However, his arrival in the Premier League ended up being more challenging than he expected. Igor suffered two injuries, including one to the meniscus in his right knee, which made it difficult for him to adapt and prevented him from immediately repeating the impressive numbers he had achieved in Belgium.
“These months away from the pitch, dealing with the injury and recovery, taught me a lot. I learned to be patient, to respect the limits of my body and to value every minute on the pitch even more. It was a painful process, of course, but it made me evolve as an athlete and as a person. Today, I end this first season more mature, more prepared and with even more desire to build a beautiful story here”.
The center forward said that the recovery period served to further strengthen his relationship with the club. The effort and commitment during the rehabilitation reinforced his determination to build a remarkable career in English football. “I knew the responsibility of being the most expensive signing in the club’s history and, of course, I was worried when the injury happened. But, from the very beginning, my focus was on working, recovering and justifying the trust that Brentford placed in me”.
“Now that I have my mind cleared and my body has recovered, I want to use this holiday period to intensify my training, following the club’s recommendations, to correct details and arrive even stronger for next season, with the aim of helping Brentford achieve great things.”
Brentford ended the season with a solid campaign in the Premier League, securing 10th place with 56 points. Igor Thiago played in eight matches – one as a starter and seven as second-half substitutes. In 2025/26, the Brazilian should receive more opportunities, as Bryan Mbeumo is unlikely to stay. Brentford’s top scorer in the Premier League, with 20 goals in 38 games, the 25-year-old Cameroonian striker is on Manchester United’s radar. The Reds agreed to pay £60 million – R$440 million – for Mbeumo’s economic rights.
