Igor Thiago: United learn Brentford striker’s massive asking price

Manchester United’s search for extra firepower at centre-forward has run into an early roadblock after Brentford slapped a club-record valuation on in-form striker Igor Thiago. United, who invested heavily in Benjamin Sesko last summer, still view the No. 9 position as an area for improvement and have identified Thiago as a prime target following a breakthrough season in the Premier League.

Sesko has recovered from a slow start to register seven goals in 23 appearances across all competitions, yet uncertainty over Joshua Zirkzee’s future has encouraged the club to explore further attacking reinforcements. The belief inside Old Trafford is that genuine competition will accelerate Sesko’s progress and provide cover for a potential European campaign next term.

Thiago, signed in 2024 as Ivan Toney’s long-term successor, endured an injury-plagued first campaign in West London but has since emerged as one of the division’s most clinical finishers. With 20 league goals to his name, the Brazilian trails only Erling Haaland in the scoring charts and recently credited United with fuelling his childhood passion for the game, hinting at a possible affinity for a move north.

Any such switch, however, will come at a steep cost. SPORTSBOOM understands Brentford will not entertain offers below the fee they received for Bryan Mbeumo last summer, a deal worth £71 million, effectively setting the asking price for Thiago at a new club benchmark. The Bees have already locked their star striker into a contract extension through 2031 and, renowned for driving hard bargains, are under no pressure to sell.

Aston Villa showed interest during the winter window but never tabled a formal bid, while Arsenal, Chelsea and United have all held internal discussions about the 26-year-old’s credentials. United’s hierarchy must now weigh the financial implications; a major midfield rebuild is expected following Casemiro’s anticipated departure, and budgets could be stretched across multiple Premier League-proven acquisitions.

Whether United commit to a blockbuster pursuit of Thiago or pivot to more economical alternatives will shape one of the summer window’s most compelling storylines.