Igor Thiago: Man United plot move for Brentford star on one condition | OneFootball

Manchester United have identified Igor Thiago as a target after a breakout season for Brentford, though a deal hinges on a key condition, according to a transfer expert.

Major Overhaul

With Michael Carrick confirmed as permanent head coach after securing Champions League qualification with a third-place finish, the mood around Old Trafford is a positive one. INEOS are planning a major overhaul this summer to bolster the squad ahead of a return to Europe’s elite competition, with much of this season’s success stemming from the absence of midweek football.

A revamp in midfield is the priority as Casemiro will depart this month, while Manuel Ugarte will be sold if a suitable offer arrives for the 25-year-old Uruguayan. Kobbie Mainoo has been rejuvenated under Carrick, and finding a complementary partner for the English starlet is a priority.

Reinforcements are also expected on the left-hand side, with enquiries being made for both wingers and full-backs to bring more balance to Carrick’s lopsided group, which has far more depth on the right.

A central defender may arrive, though Harry Maguire’s contract extension has eased the pressure in this area of the pitch. A new back-up to Senne Lammens will be needed if Altay Bayindir joins Andre Onana in Türkiye, amid interest from Besiktas.

A more reliable centre-forward to ease the pressure on Benjamin Sesko is also on the agenda, given how poor a signing Joshua Zirkzee has proved since arriving from Bologna for £36.5 million in 2024 – which explains the interest in Thiago.

One In, One Out

The bulk of the summer budget is set to be directed towards fixing the stalling engine room, with three new recruits expected to arrive, totalling as much as £150 million. This leaves little left over to upgrade the attack.

Much like with the goalkeeping situation, United will be operating on a ‘one in, one out’ basis. A new No.2 will be targeted, or brought back from loan, if Bayindir leaves; likewise, a new No.9 can only be signed if Zirkzee is sold.

There is considerable interest from Serie A in the 24-year-old Dutchman, the league in which he first established himself, winning Young Player of the Year before leaving for England. A number of Italian clubs made advances in January to gauge a deal, but were rebuffed as United’s hierarchy did not want to weaken the squad while on the hunt for Champions League football.

If these suitors present themselves again this summer, however, the answer will be very different, with INEOS ready to sanction a permanent sale to generate funds for a replacement. Thiago, Brentford’s red-hot striker, is one name on the radar at Old Trafford after a superb season at the Gtech Community Stadium, which saw him finish as the Premier League’s second top scorer with 22 goals, five behind Manchester City superstar Erling Haaland.

The Brazil international, who has gone from playing in Bulgaria to representing the Selecao at the World Cup in the space of three years, is admired by many of England’s top clubs, with his potent pairing of size, speed and strength making him the ideal frontman.

Speaking to the United Stand, Ben Jacobs claims United are interested in the 24-year-old, despite the preference being an “older and more experienced” option.

“While it is very initial and player led at this stage, Man United are just starting to look the market in the old and more experienced category of strikers, with one or two exceptions like Igor Thiago – in case Joshua Zirkzee levels,” the talkSPORT reporter states.

Final Thoughts

A report relayed by The Peoples Person a few months ago corroborated this interest, revealing United were “weighing up” a move for Thiago. Brentford’s asking price is expected to be in excess of £60 million, however, with Bryan Mbeumo’s switch to M16 likely to be used as a reference point.

Jacobs mentions other names like Crystal Palace target man Jean-Philippe Mateta and Al-Ahli striker Ivan Toney, formerly of Brentford, as other potential candidates, while Dusan Vlahovic and Victor Osimhen are two other high-profile strikers on the continent.

Regardless of who United zero in on, it will require Zirkzee to be sold to make room, with a minimum price of £22 million to avoid a negative PSR hit – a relatively cheap price by the cash-heavy standard of England, but one Italian sides are unlikely to be willing to meet happily.

Featured image George Wood via Getty Images

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