Igor Thiago has become one of the standout names of the winter transfer window. His strong performances for Brentford have put him firmly on the radar of Premier League big boys.
Newcastle, Tottenham and Aston Villa are all showing serious interest, while clubs from Serie A and La Liga are also keeping an eye on the Brazilian striker – if one believes noises from agents – and The Boy Hotspur’s substack.
Brentford’s stance is clear. The club has set a price as high as €70 million, with some reports even mentioning £80 million. That figure makes a January move difficult, especially given Thiago’s contract until 2029. Brentford are reluctant to lose such a key player midway through the season.
Aston Villa boss Unai Emery sees Thiago as a long-term alternative to Ollie Watkins and could push for a bid in the €50–57 million range. Tottenham have explored a loan deal, but Brentford are not open to it. Newcastle, who signed Yoane Wissa from Brentford in the summer but have yet to see him play due to injury, view Thiago as the ideal signing to strengthen their attack.
Given Brentford’s position, a big move in January looks unlikely. However, strong offers are expected to arrive in the summer. For Thiago, the priority remains playing regularly and performing well to secure his place in Brazil’s squad for the upcoming World Cup.
He really isn’t worth the suggested sums doing the rounds.
I take a view that Igor Thiago is not currently worth £70m based on objective market estimates, but his explosive form in the 2025/26 Premier League season suggests he could approach or justify that valuation soon if he sustains his performance. That’s a pretty big if.
Should Thiago continue at this rate—potentially ending with 25+ goals—he could realistically reach £70m+ by summer 2026. Right now, though, it’s more aspiration than proven worth, making £70m a stretch based on evidence. He’s a high-upside talent, but the price reflects potential and club leverage more than current consensus value.
As ever, there are many factors to understand. A change of clubs need not necessarily deliver the high expectations. Indeed, Tottenham have had its fingers burned on numerous occasions when it comes to strikers.
For my money, Thaigo is potentially a rock-solid striker, but that may prove too soon for some, including Spurs, who might look for better value elsewhere.
At least Thomas Frank isn’t hoping that Solanke is the answer to his prayers – oh, hang on.