Igor Thiago can be proud to have secured a move to Brentford, with a €37m deal indicative of the superb work he’s done at Club Brugge.
That’s according to manager Ronny Deila, who Het Nieuwsblad cover today as he’s commented on the player’s move to Brentford.
Brentford announced a surprise deal for the striker earlier this week, confirming that the Brazilian will be joining them at the end of the season after they struck a deal with Brugge.
The move was very much out of the blue, with his agents even admitting yesterday that they had been delighted to have kept the deal out of the rumour mill completely.
Thiago will presumably be arriving at Brentford to replace Ivan Toney, who has been consistently linked with a move away from the club for the best part of the last year after his impressive performances since the club’s rise to the Premier League.
Manager Thomas Frank has even openly admitted he believes the striker will be moving elsewhere in the summer, further evidence that the deal for Thiago has been done ahead of that.
The question is whether Thiago, who has only been in Belgium since an €11m move from Ludogorets in July last year can fill such big boots.
Brugge manager Deila certainly isn’t concerned on that front, believing the striker has earned his move to the Premier League.
“We haven’t talked about it much,” he said.
“When such an offer comes in, you just have to act. In football there is a certain hierarchy. Everyone benefits from this. We can be proud of such a transfer, and Thiago can be proud of his work and his development. Let’s not forget that he will be here until the end of the season.
“I see it as something positive. Thiago is extremely grateful to Club and for what everyone has done for him. He has the right norms and values and will now suddenly not float. Ultimately, he just likes being here. So I expect him to just keep scoring goals.
“He has several reasons for this (move). There is the financial security for his family, and the Premier League is a dream for every footballer. At the same time, he is a good example for the rest of the dressing room, because a number of boys have as much talent as Thiago.
“He has always continued to work hard, continue to laugh and has the right energy. Even when things got difficult. That is why he is so loved. But he would never have succeeded without a team around him.”
