Newcastle United and PIF have now made their first move in the race to sign Brentford striker Igor Thiago, who has matched Nick Woltemade all the way for goals so far this season.
Whilst the Magpies have clear problems in front of goal in the Premier League - proven by their 3-1 defeat against West Ham United last weekend - their problems once again disappeared on the European stage.
Easing to a 2-0 victory over Athletic Club, both Dan Burn and Joelinton got themselves on the scoresheet in a refreshing change for Eddie Howe. With a trip to face Brentford up next, the Newcastle boss will simply be hoping for a repeat.
Speaking to reporters after securing a third-straight Champions League victory, Howe said: “Yes, it’s a big prize for us and our eyes are very much on it, and I want the players to be feeling the same.
“We said at the start of the Champions League campaign that we didn’t want to have that feeling that we were just pleased to be in the competition. It’s serious. We want to progress. We’ve put ourselves in a stronger position now to do that after the first defeat, but there are still many challenges ahead.”
Progressing on the European stage has certainly been no problem for those in Tyneside so far, but there's no denying that their Premier League form has suffered at the same time.
Finding the balance and squad depth needed to thrive in both competitions should be Newcastle's priority in 2026. As things stand, they're six points adrift of the top four and, to make matters worse, it is Sunderland who sit in fourth place.
Following a slow start, those at St James' Park should set their focus on the January transfer window and potentially welcoming attacking reinforcements.
Newcastle launch first Igor Thiago move
As reported by Trivela and ESPN Brazil and relayed by Sport Witness, PIF have now launched their first enquiry to sign Thiago for Newcastle in an addition that would certainly help solve their recent goalscoring woes.
Brentford's Igor Thiago
Just like in their search for a striker in the summer, however, the Magpies aren't alone. Tottenham Hotspur and Aston Villa have also reportedly enquired about Thiago's availability to spark an all Premier League race for his signature.
2025/26 stats Thiago Woltemade
Appearances 11 16
Goals 7 7
Assists 0 0
Having matched Woltemade for goals so far this season, Newcastle's interest in Thiago should come as no surprise. Dubbed "powerful" by Brentford boss Keith Andrews earlier this season, the towering forward also crucially earned Alan Shearer's seal of approval.
The Newcastle legend said: "He barely played last season because of injury but he got his two goals in that half and that's what a striker is going to get judged for. He looks like he can fill the void left by Mbeumo and Wissa."
After signing Yoane Wissa in the summer, Newcastle should make a return to West London to sign Thiago when 2026 arrives.
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