Man City Remain Alert in Igor Thiago Race Despite Brentford Contract Boost
Manchester City are not walking away from their interest in Igor Thiago, despite Brentford tying the Brazilian striker down to a new long term contract. TeamTalk report that Hugo Viana has already been conducting due diligence as City assess their future at No.9, and sources insist the Premier League champions remain attentive.
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Brentford, for their part, are celebrating. On February 13, the club confirmed Thiago has committed until 2031, with an option to extend by a further year. It is a statement of belief and reward after a campaign that has elevated the 24 year old into elite company.
Brentford Reward Form and Character
Thiago’s numbers command respect. Eighteen goals in 27 appearances this season, 17 of those in the Premier League, second only to Erling Haaland, and recognition as Player of the Month in November 2025. That production has altered perceptions across Europe.
A well placed source told TeamTalk: “The club are over the moon with the new deal.
“Thiago is a great footballer but also a great presence around the place.
“He and his people know about the interest, of course, but they are not pushing for a move in the short or medium-term.
“He is very happy at Brentford and believes he can achieve all his immediate goals with them.”
Brentford’s conviction is striking. Insiders believe Thiago has the potential to become the best striker in world football. That is bold territory, yet grounded in his growth since arriving from Club Brugge in 2024, when a serious knee injury disrupted his early months in England.
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The Bees held their nerve. They felt he could surpass Ivan Toney, and this season has vindicated that faith.
Man City and Chelsea Monitor Developments
TeamTalk confirm Manchester City, Chelsea and Bayern Munich have all been left hugely impressed. Every major club in Europe is said to have watched Thiago in the past six months. His trajectory has not gone unnoticed.
City’s interest is strategic. Viana’s involvement suggests long term planning around the No.9 role. Haaland remains central to Guardiola’s project, yet elite clubs prepare for every eventuality. Succession planning and squad depth remain permanent considerations.
Chelsea are also admirers, while Bayern Munich are assessing options as they contemplate life after Harry Kane. In that context, Thiago’s combination of physicality, intelligence and ruthless finishing fits modern demands.
Player and Manager Speak from Heart
Brentford manager Keith Andrews has spoken warmly since the announcement. He told the club’s official website: “It’s brilliant that Thiago has committed his long-term future to the club.
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“The connection that he has with his team-mates, the staff and the fans, as well as how much the club means to him and he means to us, is pretty evident for everybody to see.
“Again, it’s the person before the player. I love working with him and I’ve loved seeing his evolution as a player. How he plays is such a big part of how we play and what our season has been so far.
“He’s been a massive player for us, so it’s a contract he thoroughly deserves and I’m really happy that the club have been able to get it done.”
Thiago himself spoke with similar warmth. He said: “I love the club and the people in the club. It’s a true love, a real love.
“In the beginning, when I first came, I had the injury. The staff and the people around the training ground were helping me and supporting me.
“When the fans support me, and I see them singing my name and singing my song, it gives me more power. I’m really happy for all of the love they have given to me. It means so much.”
The striker added: “With Keith, it’s more of a relationship as a father and a son. I’m really happy with him as he trusts and believes in me.”
“I’m enjoying every single day and every single training session so much. It’s been a good journey and I’m happy to be here.”
Those words carry authenticity. Yet in modern football, new contracts do not extinguish interest. They redefine leverage.
Brentford have strengthened their position. The release price, if it exists, will be substantial. Clubs such as Man City and Chelsea can afford patience. Monitoring can turn to movement quickly if circumstances align.
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Chelsea supporters have long craved a reliable focal point, someone capable of leading the line with authority and composure. Thiago’s 17 Premier League goals underline that he is more than a fleeting phenomenon. Fans would argue that if the club are serious about competing for titles, this is the calibre required.
There will be questions about cost and fit within the squad, yet the appetite for a proven striker remains strong at Stamford Bridge. Brentford’s new deal complicates matters, but it does not close doors.
Manchester City supporters may view this through a different lens. With Haaland entrenched, some would see Thiago as future proofing. Others might question whether resources are better allocated elsewhere. Yet City’s recruitment model prizes foresight. Monitoring emerging elite talent is part of that philosophy.
For both fanbases, the story reinforces a familiar truth. Premier League excellence attracts attention, and Brentford have nurtured a striker now coveted by the biggest clubs.