Forward, Igor Thiago has completed his move to Brentford from Club Brugge for an undisclosed fee.
Brentford had agreed a deal with Club Brugge for Thiago back in February for an undisclosed fee for a rumoured club-record £30m, with the 23 year-old forward having scored 29 goals and contributed six assists in 55 appearances in his sole season at the Belgian league champions
The transfer was officially completed on 1 July with Thiago taking the number 9 shirt, whilst Kevin Schade will wear the number 7 shirt instead this season.
“I’m very happy to have signed for Brentford and to get to know the club,” commented the Brazilian on his move to the Bees and Premier League football.
“It’s an immense source of happiness for me, to be able to play for this club in the Premier League. I’m really looking forward to this moment.
“And I know, I’m sure of it, that it will be a great journey and a great season.”
Having enjoyed a strong goal-scoring season at Club Brugge during which he was named 2023-24 UEFA Europa Conference League’s Young Player of the Season, Thiago iterated that he is “always looking for more,” as he looks to continue his form at Brentford.
Thiago reflected on his desire to deliver results which saw him help Club Brugge win Belgian Pro League title last season, having previously helped Ludogorets Razgrad to consecutive Bulgarian First League titles in 2021-22 & 22-23 seasons.
“I think that throughout my career, since I left Brazil, I think that’s what I was looking for, to gain good energy, win titles, make a name for myself, make history.
“So, I think it was great things that I was able to do there in Brugge. To help my team-mates win that title that was so important.
“It was a lot of work, a lot of dedication, especially from Brugge, for everyone having believed in me when I wasn’t in such a good situation.”
Brentford meanwhile finished 16th in the Premier League last season following an injury-hit campaign on top of a suspension for Ivan Toney in the first half of the season, but Thiago teased that he expects the Bees to return to their best this season.
“With a lot of work, dedication and commitment, good times will come.”
Born in Gama, Brazil, Thiago began his career at Gremio Ocidental then Vere at youth level before he was signed by Cruzeiro where he went on to score 10 goals in 64 appearances, prior to his move to Razgrad where he scored 21 goals in 55 appearances.
As well as his two league titles at Razgrad, he also helped the Bulgarian team win the Bulgarian Supercup and Bulgarian Cup in 2022-23 season.
Thiago though lost his father at 12 years old which forced him to take on work at fairs and as a bricklayer to support his family, which he believes helped him develop as a person and appreciate his opportunity at the Bees
“It helped me as a man, and it helped me as person. It helped me to appreciate the little and big things in life, because today I look at my life and see that I’m privileged with everything I have.”
The 23 year-old therefore feels “ready” to play in the Premier League as the first Brazilian to represent Brentford, which excites him as he vowed to bring the Brazilian style to the Bees.
“I’m very happy and very pleased to be the first Brazilian here in Brentford. I think showing a little of the culture, Brazilian football and Brazilian energy within the club, is going to be very important.
“They’ll get to know a little of this Brazilian flair, this Brazilian football with will, with determination and good energy. I always dream, because I think the most important thing in an athlete’s life is to always dream.”
Looking ahead to the season, Thiago warned supporters to expect pressing intensity in attack from him but still help his teammates defensively.
“I’m the kind of player who puts on pressure, intensity. I always want to be pressing, to help my team in the best way I can on the pitch.
“I want to help my team on the pitch with pressure; help my team-mates to hold on to the ball and score lots of goals.
“I think that’s the most important thing: the goals. But I want to help positively with the pressure, help my mates with whatever I have to help them with. I want to make history here at Brentford.”
Thiago could make his competitive Brentford debut in their opening league game of the season at home to Crystal Palace on Sunday 18 August in a 2pm BST kick-off at Gtech Community Stadium, live on Sky Sports in the UK.
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