Representatives from the two English sides were at the Dragão for Porto’s 3-1 win over Benfica on Sunday.

Both are listed among the clubs with scouts in attendance. As they were also spotted watching Porto against Manchester City earlier this month, this trips seems to be more strategic than usual.

Ipswich and Brentford back at the Dragão

When the two clubs watched Porto against City, there were several players who looked worth following. Jakub Kiwior and Martim Fernandes were two we picked out at the time. Borja Sainz and Francisco Moura were also on that list.

Sainz has since given the scouts something else to think about. He scored in Porto’s game immediately before Sunday’s clash with Benfica.

Against Benfica, though, some of Porto’s ‘B-side’ options were among those who caught the eye. Pepê, 29, played an important part in the win. His excellent pass sent Gabri Veiga through to score the opening goal.

Pablo Rosario, also 29, was one of Porto’s best players. He played the pass which started the move for Victor Froholdt’s goal and made a crucial first-half block.

Neither Pepê nor Rosario is the sort of young prospect a club buys with a big future resale in mind. What they do offer is a very high floor when it comes to immediate quality.

That could make both interesting for Ipswich and Brentford, depending on what exactly their scouts are looking for.

Froholdt stands out, but Veiga could be more realistic

Victor Froholdt was arguably the best player on the pitch. The 20-year-old returned after suffering a concussion, scored and brought plenty of intensity in midfield.

His performance was another reminder of why he’s attracting attention from some of Europe’s bigger clubs. That level of competition could make him a tougher target for Ipswich and Brentford.

Gabri Veiga is a different case. The Spaniard remains a big name after his earlier rise in Spain and subsequent move to Saudi Arabia. He’s still only 24, though, and could be a more accessible option than Froholdt.

Veiga certainly gave the scouts something to see on Sunday. He made clever runs between the lines and opened the scoring after Pepê’s excellent pass.

For either Ipswich or Brentford, he’s the sort of player who could be particularly interesting if they’re looking for someone ready to contribute straight away.

Stiker André Silva also made his mark, setting up two goals in the second half.

Benfica had plenty to offer as well

Ipswich Town and Brentford weren’t short of players to take notes on from Benfica either.

Samuel Soares conceded three, but that doesn’t really tell the story of his performance. The goalkeeper made several very good saves and has been growing considerably at Benfica.

The 24-year-old has now taken over as their first-choice goalkeeper, so he’s another interesting prospect for visiting clubs to watch.

Gianluca Prestianni was probably Benfica’s biggest attraction on the night. The 20-year-old Argentine caused Porto plenty of problems coming from the left. He created chances, carried a constant threat and produced an excellent individual move before setting up Alexander Bah’s goal.

Striker Vangelis Pavlidis didn’t get on the scoresheet, but the striker still gave Porto’s centre-backs plenty of work.

Of course there’s still nothing to say exactly who Ipswich or Brentford went to watch. But seeing both clubs back at the Dragão only a few weeks after the Manchester City game is interesting, though.

Whatever they’re looking at in Portugal, their presence there is starting to look quite deliberate.

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The pair face each other on Saturday, with Brentford fifth and still unbeaten this season. Bournemouth, meanwhile, are 15th and looking for their first league win.

However, there is a little more to this one than two Brazilian forwards meeting on a Premier League pitch.

Igor Thiago has now revealed that their friendship in England has involved plenty of time together, including a barbecue that went on until the early hours.

Friendship has grown in England

The Brentford striker spoke to ESPN Brazil’s João Castelo-Branco ahead of Saturday’s game.

“(Our friendship started) thanks to the Premier League and the national team. He’s a fantastic kid who teaches me a lot through his simplicity and humility,” Igor Thiago said.

“He made our friendship genuine, and I have a lot of affection for him. I took him to my house, we had a barbecue and stayed up until the early hours talking.”

That relationship isn’t new to anyone who followed the pair with Brazil. Igor Thiago had already spoken after the World Cup about how close he and Rayan had become. They were both part of Brazil’s 26-man squad for the tournament.

The friendship actually started right after Rayan’s move from Vasco da Gama to Bournemouth. Igor Thiago had already been in England for around 18 months by that point. So having another Brazilian striker nearby helped things along pretty quickly.

“Someone I’ll take with me for life”

Igor Thiago clearly thinks very highly of the Bournemouth forward off the pitch. He’s just as positive about what Rayan can do on it.

“He’s someone I have a special affection for and, without a doubt, someone I’ll take with me for life,” he said.

“He also has incredible qualities. I had the opportunity to be with him in the national team, and he’s a kid who will still bring a lot of joy to our national team.”

On Saturday, the friendship can wait. Brentford want to keep their unbeaten start going and Bournemouth badly need their first victory.

Afterwards, you’d imagine they’ll have plenty to talk about again.

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That gave the three English clubs a very useful chance to look at the Portuguese champions against strong Premier League opposition.

A Bola says they were among 18 foreign clubs represented at the Dragão. Manchester United and Everton also had people there.

The newspaper doesn’t say who Forest, Brentford or Ipswich went to watch. There were certainly a few interesting options in Porto’s squad, though.

Plenty of names to take a look at

Jakub Kiwior is an obvious one. The former Arsenal defender is now one of Porto’s most important players and started against City. He also played well despite his side losing 2-0.

There’s obviously less homework required with Kiwior. Forest, Brentford and Ipswich will already know plenty about him from his time in England.

Nehuén Pérez and Martim Fernandes are perhaps more interesting from a scouting point of view. Both started against Enzo Maresca’s side and got the chance to test themselves against one of Europe’s best attacks.

Porto also brought Borja Sainz, Seko Fofana and Francisco Moura (this one was a Coventry target all summer) off the bench. All affordable, smart possible targets.

Again, there’s nothing from A Bola saying any of those players were the reason for the English visits. They are simply some of the names who were on show of cours.

But for clubs looking for clever additions outside the most expensive end of the market, Porto isn’t exactly a bad place to go shopping.

One player was impossible to ignore

Even if the scouts travelled with completely different names on their lists, Diogo Costa probably ended up taking plenty of their attention.

City won 2-0 and Erling Haaland scored both goals. Without Costa, it could have been much uglier for Porto. The goalkeeper had a superb night.

But Costa isn’t some hidden gem waiting to be discovered of course. He’s Portugal’s number one and would cost serious money.

The more realistic scouting work for Forest, Brentford and Ipswich may therefore have been happening elsewhere on the pitch.

Either way, Porto against Manchester City was a pretty good place to spend an evening taking notes.

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221 Foot report that the ASCAF academy prospect is attracting interest from several European clubs. Brentford, though, are the current frontrunners.

Their exclusive sources report that the former Al Ain player is currently on trial with the Bees. And they’ve been left impressed by what they’ve seen so far.

Impressive trial

221 Foot report that Moussa Gueye’s performances have reportedly impressed the coach staff and recruitment team. They’ve been won over by his technical ability, physical power and composure under pressure.

As a result, Brentford have opened talks with the player’s camp to reach an agreement. Negotiations are ongoing and a few details still need to be ironed out before a transfer can be finalised.

Keith Andrews’ side need to move quickly, though. Moussa Gueye has no shortage of suitors at this moment in time. Fulham, Monaco, Arsenal, Palmeiras and Famalicão have also been closely monitoring the youngster’s progress.

All of those sides have expressed an interest in the young Senegalese talent. The situation is very much open. The Bees are best placed to secure his signature at this point but there is no guarantee.

Brentford making a pitch

Brentford can at least present themselves as the perfect breeding ground for talent, with a proven track record of developing players.

The likes of Michael Kayode, Yegor Yarmolyuk, Mikkel Damsgaard and Kevin Schade in their current squad can attest to that. They are very much a club who offers Premier League opportunities to players they consider good enough.

It’s something that has already allowed them to attract top talent like midfielder Mamadou Sangaré to the club ahead of competition around Europe this summer.

Perhaps they can use that pitch on Gueye to ensure he doesn’t end up elsewhere after an impressive trial already.

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There is a lot of logic behind that choice of homework of course. Igor Thiago finished last season with 22 Premier League goals, second only to the Manchester City striker with 27.

The Brazilian ended the campaign with 25 goals in all competitions and earned a place in Brazil’s World Cup squad.

He’s now back leading the line for Brentford after staying at the club beyond the summer transfer window.

Speaking exclusively to ESPN Brazil, Igor Thiago was asked about the forwards he expects to compete with for goals in the Premier League this season.

“Haaland, João Pedro, and Isak as well when he comes back,” he said.

“I think they’re strikers whose style of play I like, what they deliver. I think by watching them play, I learn as well. And I have been learning. They’re the strikers who inspire me and who I also look up to.”

Studying Haaland

It is Haaland, though, who appears to receive particularly close attention from the Brentford man. And it’s not the first time he mentions the Norwegian as a case of study.

The Manchester City striker has set an obvious benchmark for Premier League centre-forwards and Igor Thiago admits he watches videos to pick up details he can incorporate into his own game.

“I watch quite a lot because each of them, with their own characteristics, has things I can use in my day-to-day game.”

“I used to watch Haaland to see the movements he made on the pitch because it’s not normal for a guy to score so many goals.”

“It’s no coincidence that a guy scores as many goals as he does. So I kept watching to understand the movements he made, so I could do the same.”

Considering Igor Thiago then scored 22 league goals himself last season, some of that studying appears to have served him pretty well.

“His timing is perfect”

The Brentford striker also explained what separates Haaland from other centre-forwards. For him, the Norwegian’s biggest quality isn’t simply his finishing. It’s knowing exactly when and where to move before the opportunity arrives.

“His timing is perfect. With runs in behind, he understands very well when to attack the space, when not to, and when to run towards the near post. He understands that moment very well, he understands that timing very well.”

“Or when to run in behind, when to go towards the far post. So I think those are the things that make the difference for a striker and keep him one step ahead of everyone else.”

It is an interesting insight into how Igor Thiago has approached his own development at Brentford. His physical qualities and finishing were obvious throughout last season, but 22 Premier League goals don’t arrive through those attributes alone.

Haaland remains the man to catch after beating him to the Golden Boot last season. Igor Thiago clearly isn’t pretending otherwise.

Instead, the Brentford striker is studying exactly how the Manchester City star does it – and trying to take a few of those tricks into his own game.

The post “It’s not normal” – Brentford’s Igor Thiago details Erling Haaland obsession appeared first on Sport Witness.

The transfer window has closed and Igor Thiago will be staying at Brentford for a while longer, despite considerable interest in the striker over the summer.

Deadline Day passed without a move for the Brazilian, who had attracted attention after an outstanding 2025/26 season. Arsenal, Manchester United and Chelsea were all linked with him, while Juventus and Atlético Madrid were also credited with interest.

Brentford were always in a strong position. Igor Thiago scored 25 goals and provided one assist in 40 appearances last season, earning a place in the Premier League Team of the Season. Reports in Brazil had also put the Bees’ asking price at around £77m (€90m).

The striker then went to the World Cup with Brazil, although the tournament didn’t quite follow the same script as his club season.

Igor Thiago started Brazil’s opener against Morocco but was substituted after 62 minutes. He didn’t play again before Carlo Ancelotti’s side were eliminated by Norway in the last 16.

Now back at Brentford, where he has one goal from his opening three matches of 2026/27, the striker has reflected on everything that happened.

World Cup “opened my eyes”

Speaking exclusively to ESPN Brazil, Igor Thiago explained that the tournament gave him a better understanding of what he still needs to improve.

“It was a very important moment in my career. It opened my eyes in several ways and showed me, above all, what I can do better to help the national team and what I need to improve to continue being part of that environment,” he said.

“It was a wonderful experience, where I made good friends, like Rayan and Endrick. I think the national team needs to maintain this atmosphere of joy and harmony.”

“Without doubt, it was an important learning experience for my career and something that will always stay with me.”

Asked what he could have done better during the tournament, the Brentford striker turned to the pressure surrounding Brazil.

“I think too much of anything is bad. That’s why I tried to remain calm at all times during the World Cup. If I made a mistake, the responsibility would be mine. If I got it right, the credit would also be mine.”

“As time went on and with the experiences I’ve had, I understood that what really matters is keeping the experiences and good memories. What was bad, we leave behind and try to move on in a lighter way.”

“I didn’t get here by chance”

Igor Thiago believes some of the pressure placed on Brazil’s players goes too far.

“If things were a little different, especially regarding the pressure, we’d be in a better situation. Our people put a lot of pressure on things that often don’t need it.”

“If we stopped complaining so much about the small things and gave more support to what really matters, we’d be in a much better situation. That’s my point of view.”

The Brentford man was also asked about the strong criticism which followed his performance against Morocco.

He says staying away from social media meant much of the reaction passed him by.

“I don’t really know anything about the criticism because I wasn’t following social media and I don’t worry much about that either. If people talk about me, that says more about what they think than what I think about myself.”

“I didn’t get here by chance. I got here by working and making an effort. I didn’t reach the national team because of anyone. It was the result of my work and effort.”

“I was also certain that I hadn’t taken anyone else’s place. I earned my own space in the national team. That was one of the things which left me feeling very calm throughout the entire period I was there.”

Brentford striker expects more with Brazil

There is certainly no suggestion from Igor Thiago that his international ambitions ended with a disappointing first World Cup.

The 25-year-old pointed towards Harry Kane and Cristiano Ronaldo when explaining why he believes experience can make him a better striker.

“I’m 25 years old. Just look at great centre-forwards like Harry Kane, in his thirties, and Cristiano Ronaldo, close to 40.”

“Over time, they become different players, with more experience, just as has happened with me since my first call-up.”

“I think this is only the beginning of a beautiful journey I have ahead of me with the national team.”

That confidence will be welcome at Brentford too. The Bees saw Igor Thiago’s reputation rocket during his 25-goal campaign and then watched several major clubs circle their striker.

His World Cup didn’t add another layer to that momentum, but he clearly doesn’t view what happened in North America as a major setback.

Instead, he has returned to Brentford talking about what he learned, what he can improve and why he believes he deserved his opportunity with Brazil.

Three matches into the new season, the task is already set. Start scoring regularly for Brentford again and show that last year’s breakthrough was only the beginning.

The post Brentford star hits back at criticism after World Cup – “I didn’t get here by chance” appeared first on Sport Witness.

Brentford and Arsenal now have a clearer route to João Ananias, as Santos are ready to consider selling the 19-year-old defender.

Both Premier League clubs are keeping an eye on the youngster. Santos’ financial problems could also help turn that interest into a transfer.

ESPN Brazil’s Felipe Silva says Santos expect to receive an offer for Ananias in the coming days. The Brazilian club will consider a deal because they want to raise money.

However, they have already set their minimum level. Santos don’t want to open negotiations for anything below €7m (£6m).

Brentford and Arsenal watching – Besiktas moving

Brentford and Arsenal are among Ananias’ main European admirers, alongside Atlético Madrid. So far, none of those three clubs have made an offer. Besiktas, meanwhile, have taken a more concrete step.

The Turkish side have already told Santos they plan to submit a formal proposal. They now hope to push ahead with a deal for the centre-back.

In addition, two other Turkish clubs want Ananias. Santos could therefore find themselves with several options before the window closes. Yet for now Premier League interest remains at the monitoring stage, while Besiktas seems preparing to act.

Santos use Benfica talks as benchmark

The €7m (£6m) asking point has a clear background. Benfica came close to signing Ananias for that figure at the beginning of June. However, the two clubs failed to reach a final agreement.

As a result, Santos have now used that previous negotiation as their reference point for any new talks.

The club rate Ananias highly and have him under contract until 2030. He joined Santos at the age of 11 and progressed through their youth ranks before reaching the senior side.

For now, he continues to move between the starting XI and the bench. Normally, Santos would have good reason to keep developing him. Their financial situation, though, has changed the picture.

ESPN explains that the club see a sale as a way to ease some of that pressure. Therefore, they are willing to listen if someone reaches their valuation.

Santos are open to doing business, and the price is no longer a mystery. Besiktas are currently pushing harder, though, so the two English clubs may need to decide quickly whether their interest goes any further.

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Brentford appear to have missed out on Matías Orozco, with the Deportivo Cali midfielder now reportedly set to join another Premier League club. Leeds United and Liverpool are the two most possible destinations according to Colombian media.

The Bees made a formal approach for the 18-year-old weeks ago. Things have moved quickly since then, and experienced local journalist Mariano Olsen now says Orozco will move to an “important” English club in the coming hours.

Crucially for Brentford, Olsen clarified in replies that the mystery club is not them.

Premier League move said to be imminent

That is the big development since Brentford’s approach was reported. Olsen says Orozco is leaving Deportivo Cali and points to his €6m (£5.2m) release clause.

The journalist hasn’t revealed the destination yet, although Colombian reports have started trying to identify the club. At the moment, Liverpool and Leeds United are among the names being discussed in Colombia.

El País specifically mentions Liverpool alongside Brentford when covering the race. Their information appears to pre-date Olsen ruling the Bees out, so Liverpool remain one of the possibilities. Leeds have also been linked alongside the Reds elsewhere in Colombia.

At this stage, neither can safely be presented as Orozco’s destination. What appears considerably clearer is that Brentford’s approach hasn’t resulted in them winning the race.

Situation has changed rapidly

That’s quite a turnaround from the position reported only days ago. Deportivo Cali were said to prefer keeping Orozco so he could continue developing with their first team. Journalist Juan Esteban Osorio also stated there was no concrete negotiation at that point.

Any departure would have to be a permanent transfer. Olsen’s update suggests that situation has now developed quickly, potentially helped by the existence of the €6m (£5.2m) clause.

Orozco had only extended his Deportivo Cali contract earlier this year, signing until December 2029. His rise has been similarly quick. After making his senior debut in June 2025, he established himself as a regular during the first half of this year.

Orozco has made 27 first-team appearances in total and scored twice. He has also become captain of Colombia’s Under-20 side.

Those performances attracted attention from several European countries, but England now appears to have won the race. With the transfer said to be happening within hours, that mystery shouldn’t last much longer.

The post Liverpool and Leeds United in picture for €6m Colombian – Brentford ruled out of imminent deal appeared first on Sport Witness.

That’s according to journalist Rudy Galetti. He took to X, formerly known as Twitter, to cover this surprising report about Nottingham Forest’s interest in the Brentford star.

Nottingham Forest join race 

Brentford signed the striker from Club Brugge for a reported fee of €38m in 2024.

He suffered a serious setback in his first pre-season with the Bees. Later that year, the Brentford player picked up a knee injury. This kept him out for several months and ended his debut season with eight appearances.

Last season, the striker starred for Brentford, scoring 25 goals and contributing one assist from 40 matches. This helped him make his debut for Brazil earlier this year and represent them at the World Cup.

His impressive performances have seen him attract interest from the Premier League. Two months ago, Sport Witness covered claims from Brazil of Arsenal and Manchester United interest. These two clubs haven’t taken action and Nottingham Forest have emerged as the new suitor.

Big offer from Nottingham Forest 

Rudy Galetti reports Oliver Glasner’s side have submitted a £70m [€81.7m] bid for Igor Thiago.

There’s no mention whether Brentford have accepted or rejected this offer. The journalist adds Igor Thiago leaving Keith Andrews’ side ‘late in the window cannot be ruled out’ even though he has a contract until 2031, with an option for another year.

On Saturday, he played 83 minutes in Brentford’s 3-0 win over Tottenham Hotspur.

The City Ground club have spent over €40m on Ousmane Diomande, Elliot Anderson, Dan Ndoye and Omari Hutchinson. The latter cost them €43.2m [as per Transfermarkt] and is their current record signing.

Taking these figures into account, Nottingham Forst’s big €81.7m offer for the Brentford man is certainly surprising.

It’s worth noting Galetti’s claim hasn’t been backed up or rejected yet in Brazil or the UK.

EXCL | Nottingham Forest have submitted a £70m bid for Igor Thiago.

The Brazilian striker is under contract with Brentford until 2031, but with growing interest in him, a late-window departure cannot be ruled out. pic.twitter.com/xDK322rjJG

— Rudy Galetti (@RudyGaletti) August 22, 2026

Key transfer points

• Last season, starred for Brentford, managing 25 goals and an assist
• Manchester United and Arsenal reportedly showed interest in June
• No further advances from PL side, Nottingham Forest now keen
• Glasner’s side table £70m bid, late move possible 

The post Surprise as Nottingham Forest table big offer – Late move ‘not ruled out’ appeared first on Sport Witness.

The 18-year-old’s development has seen him attract interest from England where Newcastle United, Tottenham and Brentford are suitors.

Newcastle United, Tottenham and Brentford keen

Earlier this year, Ousmane Diabaté joined Gençlerbirliği, after a spell at Guinean side Académie SOAR.

The defensive midfielder has played 10 matches for the U19s and seven for the first team so far. That would have been enough for the Premier League trio to take notice and also helped him make debut for Guinea’s senior team in June.

His displays and potential could have convinced Newcastle United, Tottenham Hotspur and Brentford.

Fotospor and journalist Reşat Can Özbudak report the Premier League trio are keen.

Newcastle start negotiations, London duo serious

Reşat Can Özbudak took to X, formerly known as Twitter, to share an important update about the Magpies.

Matthias Jaissle’s side are in the market for a midfielder and Ousmane Diabaté would be their new target.

Newcastle United have begun negotiations to sign him. He doesn’t specify whether the Tyneside club are negotiating with his agent, club or both. That’s all he has to say and makes no mention of the two London clubs.

Both Tottenham Hotspur and Keith Andrews’ side are ‘seriously interested’ in the Guinea international. Spurs’ interest isn’t new and already looked at him in May.

Fenerbahçe have also shown interest, and Roberto De Zerbi’s side and Brentford’s could create a problem.

There’s belief he may have played his last match for Gençlerbirliği and his future could be in the Premier League.

Fotosport explain Académie SOAR allowed him to join the Süper Lig side for free and have secured a 40% sell-on clause. Therefore, his club are expecting a high fee, without a mention of their demand, to sell the player.

Diabaté has three years left on his contract and his value, as per Transfermarkt, is €1m. Gençlerbirliği are likely to request far more than his current value.

ÖZEL | Newcastle United, Gençlerbirliği forması giyen Ousmane Diabate transferinde görüşmelere başladı! @spordepormedya pic.twitter.com/iocqheMzIG

— Reşat Can Özbudak (@resatcan_ozbdak) August 18, 2026

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