Nottingham Forest have made a dramatic late move in the transfer market, launching a staggering bid to sign Brentford forward Igor Thiago before the deadline. According to Italian journalist Rudy Galetti, Forest have submitted a formal £70 million (€81.7 million) offer for the Brazilian striker in an attempt to hijack his services and bolster their attacking options for the current campaign.
If completed, the transaction would shatter Nottingham Forest’s transfer benchmark, eclipsing their recent €43.2 million outlay for winger Omari Hutchinson.
Thiago’s Journey: From Setback to Stardom
Igor Thiago’s meteoric rise over the past year makes him one of the most intriguing targets of the current window. Brentford originally secured the 24-year-old’s signature from Belgian side Club Brugge in the summer of 2024 for a fee of €38 million. However, his initial campaign in England was severely disrupted before it could properly begin.
During his first pre-season with the Bees, Thiago suffered a major knee injury that sidelined him for several months. That debut season yielded just eight appearances across all competitions as he focused on recovery and adaptation.
- 2024 Transfer: Joined Brentford from Club Brugge for €38m
- Debut Season: Restricted to 8 appearances due to a severe knee injury
- Breakout Season: 25 goals and 1 assist in 40 appearances
- International Recognition: Earned his first senior cap for Brazil and represented them on the international stage
Thiago transformed potential into productivity in his second season in West London. The powerful striker spearheaded Brentford’s attack, netting 25 goals in 40 appearances while playing an instrumental role under manager Keith Andrews. His formidable form not only established him as one of the Premier League’s premier focal points, but also earned him his maiden call-up to the Brazilian national team, culminating in an appearance at the World Cup.
Premier League Interest and Strategic Fit
Thiago’s clinical performances naturally drew high-profile suitors. Earlier in the summer, reports from Brazil linked both Arsenal and Manchester United with a potential move for the forward. However, neither giant translated that admiration into a formal offer, opening the door for rival clubs to step in.
Nottingham Forest’s decision to launch an ambitious £70 million bid underscores their aggressive strategy in the transfer market. Having already invested heavily in talents such as Ousmane Diomande, Elliot Anderson, Dan Ndoye, and Omari Hutchinson, adding Thiago would signal a clear statement of intent to compete at the highest level.
Will Brentford Sell Late in the Window?
The immediate question centers on Brentford’s willingness to part with their prized asset so close to the transfer deadline. Thiago started in Brentford’s recent 3-0 victory over Tottenham Hotspur, featuring for 83 minutes and demonstrating his ongoing importance to Keith Andrews’ setup.
Furthermore, Brentford remain in a strong negotiating position. Thiago signed a long-term contract upon his arrival that keeps him under contract until 2031, with the club holding an option to extend the agreement by an additional year.
Despite the firm contract situation, Galetti notes that a late exit cannot be entirely ruled out given the sheer size of Forest’s proposal. While neither British nor Brazilian outlets have officially confirmed or refuted Galetti’s report yet, an offer of €81.7 million represents more than double the initial fee Brentford paid Club Brugge two years ago.
Whether Brentford choose to cash in on a massive profit or retain their primary goalscorer will be one of the most compelling storylines to monitor as the transfer window closes.
