Brentford could be set for a pivotal January transfer window as interest mounts in their prolific striker Igor Thiago, with Aston Villa reportedly leading the chase for the Brazilian forward.
Villa's January interest in in-form Thiago
According to reports from CaughtOffside, Aston Villa have identified Brentford's £35 million-rated striker Igor Thiago as a primary target ahead of the winter transfer window. The 24-year-old has been in sensational form this season, scoring 12 goals in just 15 appearances across all competitions under new manager Keith Andrews.
Thiago, who joined the Bees from Club Brugge in February 2024 on a long-term contract running until summer 2029, initially struggled with injury upon his arrival in England. However, he has since recovered emphatically, replicating the form that saw him net 29 times in 59 games for the Belgian side. This resurgence has not gone unnoticed, with Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur also credited with an interest in the powerful forward.
Could a player-plus-cash deal be the solution?
Brentford are under no financial pressure to sell their star asset, given the length of his remaining deal. However, should a substantial offer materialise that the club cannot refuse, a strategic move could involve proposing a swap deal to soften the blow of his departure.
The suggested candidate to move in the opposite direction is Aston Villa's 21-year-old utility player, Lamare Bogarde. The Dutch youth international, who can operate in both midfield and defence, is highly regarded by Villa boss Unai Emery but faces fierce competition for a starting spot from established names like Boubacar Kamara, Youri Tielemans, and John McGinn.
With only 15 appearances this term, mostly from the substitutes' bench, Bogarde may be tempted by the prospect of more regular senior football at the Gtech Community Stadium. The Rotterdam-born player, a product of the Feyenoord academy, has gained valuable experience during two separate loan spells at Bristol Rovers in the Football League.
Andrews' steady start at Brentford
The potential transfer drama unfolds against the backdrop of a steady start for Brentford's new manager, Keith Andrews. The 45-year-old Irishman took over the Premier League side after Thomas Frank's departure to Tottenham Hotspur and has overseen a solid if unspectacular beginning to the campaign.
Following a 2-0 defeat away to league leaders Arsenal in their last outing, the Bees currently sit in 13th place after 14 fixtures. Andrews, a former midfielder with clubs including Wolves, Hull City, and Blackburn Rovers, now prepares his side for a challenging trip to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium this weekend. His man-management could prove crucial, both in retaining Thiago and potentially integrating a talented youngster like Bogarde, who is seen as having 'bags of potential' for the future.
