Brentford Star Igor Thiago Emerges As Leading Aston Villa Transfer Target

Aston Villa are plotting an ambitious move for Brentford striker Igor Thiago as Unai Emery looks to add another potent weapon to his attacking arsenal, SportsBoom can exclusively reveal.

SportsBoom understands the highly-rated Brazilian hitman has emerged as a leading target at Villa Park, with Emery a huge admirer of the forward's blend of pace, power and clinical finishing.

Villa are eager to bolster their frontline ahead of another campaign competing on multiple fronts, and Thiago's name has risen rapidly up the club's shortlist after his sensational breakthrough season in the Premier League.

The former Club Brugge hitman announced himself as one of England's most dangerous forwards last term, scoring 22 goals in 38 Premier League appearances for Brentford.

After an injury-hit first year in west London following his move from Belgium, Thiago exploded into life for the Bees, establishing himself as one of the division's most feared strikers and attracting interest from clubs across Europe.

Emery is understood to believe the 24-year-old would fit seamlessly into Villa's high-intensity style and add a different dimension to his attack. According to sources close to SportsBoom, Villa made a last-minute approach in January for the Brazilian, but wasn't able to put forward the sufficient amount of funds back then. 

STRIKE PARTNER

Villa also view Thiago as the perfect complement to Ollie Watkins. 

While the England international thrives on pace, movement and pressing from the front, Thiago brings physicality, aerial dominance and a ruthless presence inside the penalty area.

Those contrasting qualities have convinced Villa that the pair could form one of the most formidable strike partnerships in the Premier League.

Thiago's rise has been remarkable. The Brazilian began his career at Cruzeiro before earning a move to Ludogorets in Bulgaria, where his prolific goalscoring form secured a switch to Belgian giants Club Brugge.

His performances in Belgium persuaded Brentford to invest around £30million in his services in 2024, and that faith has now been rewarded following his outstanding breakthrough campaign.

Thiago's form has also thrust him firmly into the international spotlight, with the striker expected to play a prominent role for Brazil at this summer's World Cup after establishing himself as one of the country's most exciting attacking talents.

A significant stumbling block to any deal is Brentford's strong contractual position. Earlier this season, the Bees rewarded Thiago's exceptional form with an improved long-term contract running until 2031.

NO PRESSURE

The new agreement means Brentford are under no pressure to sell and would demand a substantial fee before considering any offers for one of their prized assets.

However, Brentford have built a reputation as one of the Premier League's smartest trading clubs and have repeatedly shown a willingness to sell when their valuation is met.

Watkins himself made the move from Brentford to Villa in 2020 before developing into one of England's leading forwards. 

Ivan Toney also departed after becoming a star in west London, while Yoane Wissa is the latest high-profile name to move on.

That track record will offer Villa encouragement that a deal may not be impossible, even if Brentford's preference is to keep hold of a player they regard as central to their future plans.

With the summer transfer window gathering momentum, Villa's interest in Thiago could develop into one of the most intriguing striker sagas of the coming weeks.