Brentford striker Igor Thiago is being linked with a summer move to Manchester United amid uncertainty over Joshua Zirkzee's future at Old Trafford
Igor Thiago celebrates
Igor Thiago impressed at Brentford last season and is now being linked with Man United(Image: Getty Images)
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Manchester United are reportedly eyeing a move for Brentford striker Igor Thiago this summer. It is being claimed that the Brazilian has been discussed internally at Old Trafford, with club bosses seeking to sign him as competition for Benjamin Sesko.
The 25-year-old endured a slow start at the Gtech Community Stadium after arriving in February 2024 from Club Brugge. But the Brazil international proved his worth in his second full campaign in west London, notching up 26 goals in 41 appearances across all competitions.
Thiago's performances helped Keith Andrews' team finish ninth in the Premier League, narrowly missing out on a place in Europe for the first time ever. The No.9 then started for Carlo Ancelotti's Brazil at this summer's World Cup - failing to score as the Selecao lost in the last 16 to Norway.
The report, by Ben Jacobs, claims that United have contacted the forward's camp, but negotiations are still in their early stages, but a deal for the Bees star will be incredibly difficult this summer.
Thiago was Brentford’s record signing when he joined in 2024 for £30 million, but he has since been eclipsed by Dango Ouattara's £42.5m move. The striker signed a new long-term contract at Brentford in February, committing his future to Andrew's men until at least the summer of 2031.
Apparent interest in Thiago comes amid reports that Juventus are in advanced talks over a loan move for Reds striker Joshua Zirkzee. The switch would also include a £30m option to buy for the Italian side.
Igor Thiago of Brentford scores his team's first goal during the Premier League match between Brentford and Manchester United at Brentford Community Stadium
Igor Thiago of Brentford scores his team's first goal during the Premier League match between Brentford and Manchester United at Brentford Community Stadium(Image: Getty)
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The Dutchman has been heavily linked with an Old Trafford exit this summer, but wants to earn a place in Michael Carrick's plans. Zirkzee has failed to earn a regular starting spot during his time at Old Trafford, failing to force his way into Ruben Amorim's plans or Carrick's since arriving in Manchester under Erik ten Hag in 2024.
The 25-year-old has managed just five goals in 56 Premier League appearances for United. The Reds are reportedly open to Zirkzee's exit this summer, but the former Bayern Munich youngster is said to be content to stay.
Zirkzee was impressive in United's 5-0 pre-season win against Rosenborg last Friday. However, his Premier League performances have not been up to par.
The Dutch forward is currently behind Benjamin Sesko and Mateus Cunha in the pecking order at M16, and Marcus Rashford's potential return to the squad could see him fall behind further.