Liverpool are reportedly eyeing Brentford’s prolific forward Igor Thiago as a potential signing for the 2026 season. This follows a season marked by key injuries and departures, leaving Arne Slot with a depleted attacking line-up. With Alexander Isak and Cody Gakpo currently sidelined, and Mohamed Salah away at the Africa Cup of Nations, Slot’s options up front have been limited. The emergence of Thiago as a potential target could offer Liverpool a much-needed boost, though Brentford remain keen to hold onto their star forward.
Thiago’s Form and Liverpool’s Pursuit
According to CaughtOffside, Liverpool have added Thiago to their list of prospective signings for the upcoming transfer window. The Brazilian has been in blistering form for Brentford this season, notching up 11 Premier League goals, second only to Erling Haaland, who has an impressive 19 goals. Thiago’s goal-scoring feats have sparked interest from multiple top-flight clubs, and with Liverpool’s current attacking woes, his arrival could offer a significant reinforcement.
Thiago’s style of play has reportedly caught the eye of Liverpool’s management. Described as a “stylistic fit” for Slot’s tactical setup, Thiago has shown a keen ability to contribute in all areas of the attacking game, which could make him an invaluable asset for the Reds moving forward. However, it seems unlikely that Brentford will entertain any offers unless they are astronomical, given Thiago’s vital role at the club.
Comparison to Hugo Ekitike
In a comparison between Thiago and Liverpool’s current forward, Hugo Ekitike, the numbers show that the Brentford man is outpacing his counterpart. Thiago has netted 12 goals in all competitions, while Ekitike has scored 11 goals. With slightly fewer minutes played (1,435 minutes for Thiago vs. 1,478 for Ekitike), Thiago’s goals per 90 minutes is 0.71, compared to Ekitike’s 0.75. The stats highlight a very close contest between the two, but with Thiago offering a more well-rounded presence on the pitch.
Keith Andrews, Brentford’s manager, has lauded Thiago’s work ethic and improvement throughout the season, describing him as “a dream to work with” due to his relentless hunger to improve. This trait could serve him well should he make a move to a top club like Liverpool in the near future.
The Challenges of Securing Thiago
The financial challenge of prising Thiago away from Brentford remains a significant one for Liverpool. The Bees are unlikely to part ways with their star man unless they receive an extraordinary offer, which could push Liverpool into competition with other top clubs across Europe. Thiago’s continued impressive form could see him attracting attention from Champions League teams, adding to the complexity of Liverpool’s pursuit.
While Liverpool may struggle to land Thiago this January, his potential move could be a strategic long-term signing to bolster an attack that has been hindered by injuries and inconsistencies. A move to Liverpool would represent a huge step for Thiago, but it remains to be seen whether he could displace the established £200m attacking duo of Isak and Gakpo, a challenge that may be daunting even for a player of Thiago’s calibre.
Our View – Anfield Index Analysis
As a Liverpool fan, the idea of pursuing Igor Thiago certainly raises a few eyebrows. On paper, Thiago’s form is undeniably impressive, but we must ask: is this just a flash in the pan, or can he replicate his performances at a club the size of Liverpool? With a Premier League title under his belt, Arne Slot’s current project has shown both promise and frustration. Sitting 5th in the table this season, the Reds have struggled to defend their crown. The signing of a player like Thiago could provide the necessary depth, but one has to wonder about the feasibility of slotting him into an already star-studded forward line.
Liverpool’s £200m worth of attacking talent is not a line-up to be discarded lightly. Ekitike, despite his occasional inconsistency, is a player still in development and certainly not one to write off. Thiago might be excelling at Brentford, but can he do the same under the intense pressure of Liverpool? If Slot is truly interested in Thiago, perhaps it’s more a case of enhancing squad depth rather than a total overhaul of the attack. But would that truly move the needle for Liverpool, or is it a gamble that could backfire?
The reality of the situation is that unless Brentford are ready to part ways with their star man, Liverpool might find themselves in a bidding war that could price them out. The next few months will tell whether Thiago’s dream move is truly feasible, but as things stand, it remains a risky, high-stakes pursuit.
