Have Brentford just secured their Ivan Toney replacement for £31m?

Brentford have finalised the acquisition of talented striker Igor Thiago from Club Brugge.

The 22-year-old forward has inked a five-year contract set to commence on July 1st, with the club holding an option to extend for another 12 months. According to reports from the Daily Mail, Brentford have secured Thiago for €37 million (£31m).

The move comes amid uncertainties surrounding the future of Ivan Toney, who is anticipated to depart in the summer, with both Chelsea and Arsenal showing interest.

Thiago, originally from Brazil, commenced his career in his homeland before joining Club Brugge in June from Bulgarian outfit Ludogorets.

This term, Thiago has netted 16 goals and contributed two assists in Belgium’s top division.

The 22-year-old initiated his professional journey in his native Brazil with Cruzeiro. In March 2022, he ventured to Europe, joining Bulgarian champions Ludogorets Razgrad. During his time at Ludogorets, he scored 15 goals and supplied eight assists in 32 league appearances. Additionally, he made a mark in the Europa Conference League with two goals.

The Thiago deal appears to clear the path for Toney’s departure in the summer. Despite returning in January from an eight-month ban for breaching FA gambling rules, Toney is already being linked with Arsenal and Chelsea.

Since his long-awaited return to action this season, Toney has impressively bagged three goals in four starts in the Premier League.