“That’s not normal” – Brentford’s decision to sign player questioned, CEO hailed, ‘deserves a statue’

Last month, Brentford announced that a deal has been agreed with Club Brugge for Igor Thiago to arrive at the club in the summer.

The Premier League side invested €37m on the Brazilian, who joined Club Brugge from Bulgarian side PFC Ludogorets Razgrad last summer. The 22-year-old became the Bees’ club-record signing in the process.

Former Anderlecht and Stoke City manager Johan Boskamp is surprised that Brentford have spent big on the striker. He has also heaped praise on Club Brugge CEO Vincent Mannaert for securing a big deal, and his quotes are relayed by Voetbalkrant.

The Brazilian has starred for the Jupiler Pro League side this season, scoring 26 goals and registering four assists from 44 games. However, his form has gone downhill ever since his transfer to Brentford was confirmed and he was also sent off against Anderlecht.

Earlier this month, Voetbal Nieuws were critical of the Brentford signing and stated that he ‘achieved little’ since his sale to the English club was agreed. Boskamp is of the belief Thiago still has a lot to provide at the highest level.

“Vincent Mannaert deserves a statue. Because if you sold him for €37m… that’s not normal. If you saw him play, like a krentenbol [currant bun]. When you play at a top team like Club Brugge, you have to be there every week. And not once in every six matches,” he said.

The South American hasn’t scored or assisted since January, and both Thomas Frank and Brentford will be hoping he can regain his best form after the ongoing international break.