Nottingham Forest launch £70m bid for Brentford striker Igor Thiago

NOTTINGHAM, England — Nottingham Forest have reportedly launched a £70 million bid for Brentford striker Igor Thiago as the club considers a major late move to strengthen its attacking options before the summer transfer window closes.

The formal offer was reported by Italian journalist Rudy Galetti on Sunday, with multiple outlets subsequently reporting Forest's interest in the 25-year-old Brazil international. The proposed fee would represent a major investment for Forest, although there is currently no indication that Brentford have accepted the offer.

Thiago remains under contract with Brentford until 2031, leaving the west London club in a strong negotiating position. Reports also suggest Brentford's valuation is closer to £80 million, meaning Forest may need to increase their proposal if they want to force through a deal before the September 1 deadline.

Forest turn to Thiago after difficult opening

Forest's reported approach comes shortly after a disappointing start to the new Premier League campaign. Oliver Glasner's team suffered a 1-0 home defeat against Leeds United, with Anton Stach's late free-kick deciding the contest.

The result highlighted Forest's need for greater attacking efficiency, particularly after Taiwo Awoniyi completed a £9 million move to Coventry City earlier in the transfer window.

Chris Wood remains an experienced option up front, while Igor Jesus and Arnaud Kalimuendo provide additional competition. However, Thiago would offer Forest a proven Premier League goalscorer coming off an exceptional campaign.

Thiago enjoyed a breakout Premier League season

Thiago was one of the standout forwards in the Premier League during the 2025-26 season.

The Brazilian scored 22 league goals for Brentford, finishing second in the Premier League Golden Boot race behind Erling Haaland. He also scored 25 goals in 40 appearances across all competitions, establishing himself as one of the division's most productive young forwards.

His combination of physical strength, aerial ability and finishing has made him an attractive target for several clubs. Chelsea, Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur, Atletico Madrid and Juventus have all been linked with interest at various points, according to transfer reports.

Brentford responded to that interest by extending Thiago's contract in February 2026 through June 2031, with the club also holding an option for an additional year. The new agreement strengthened Brentford's position should a major offer eventually arrive.

Brentford have previously resisted approaches

Brentford's reported stance makes Forest's £70 million proposal particularly intriguing.

The club had previously communicated to interested sides that Thiago was not available this summer, despite approaches from several major clubs. His new long-term contract also meant Brentford had little immediate financial pressure to sell.

That position could change if Forest are prepared to move closer to Brentford's reported £80 million valuation. With the transfer deadline approaching, however, the Bees would also need to consider whether they could adequately replace a striker who scored 22 Premier League goals last season.

Why Forest want Thiago

Forest's reported interest is understandable given Thiago's production compared with the club's existing options.

Igor Jesus scored six Premier League goals in 28 starts during the 2025-26 campaign, while Chris Wood remains a reliable veteran but turns 35 in December. Thiago, by contrast, scored 22 league goals in 37 starts for Brentford last season.

The Brazilian also ranked highly among Premier League forwards for goals and aerial duels won, giving Forest an attacking profile that could complement their existing forwards.

Forest's financial position could complicate the deal

Despite the size of the reported bid, completing the transfer may not be straightforward.

Football Whispers currently rates the move as unlikely, pointing to Forest's financial constraints, Brentford's £80 million-plus valuation and Thiago's reported preference to remain at the Gtech Community Stadium. The outlet also notes that Forest are already operating close to the upper limits of the Premier League's squad-cost regulations.

There is also a question over whether Forest actually need to spend such a large amount on another striker. Earlier reports indicated that the club had not prioritised a new forward and was instead reserving a significant portion of its remaining transfer budget for a central midfielder.

Thiago's immediate form adds another layer

Although his 2025-26 campaign was outstanding, Thiago has not made the strongest possible start to the new season.

He missed a penalty during Brentford's 3-0 Premier League victory over Tottenham on August 22, although the Bees still produced an impressive team performance. The result also demonstrated why Brentford may have little desire to disrupt their squad by selling one of their leading attackers so late in the window.

Thiago's recent form should not erase his previous achievements, but it could become part of Forest's assessment as the club weighs whether to raise its offer.

Will Brentford sell?

At this stage, the most important distinction is between a reported bid and a completed transfer. Forest are said to have submitted £70 million, but Brentford have not agreed to sell Thiago and there is no confirmed agreement between the clubs.

The reported £70 million offer is also below Brentford's suggested £80 million valuation. That leaves Forest with three obvious options: increase the bid, negotiate a compromise or move on to an alternative striker before the deadline.

With September 1 approaching, the Thiago saga could develop rapidly. A successful deal would give Glasner one of the Premier League's most prolific young forwards and represent a significant statement of ambition from Forest.

For Brentford, meanwhile, accepting a late £70 million-plus offer would provide a substantial financial return but leave the club with very little time to replace a striker who has already demonstrated that he can score at the highest level of English football.

Transfer status: Nottingham Forest have reportedly submitted a £70 million bid for Igor Thiago. Brentford have not confirmed an agreement, and reports indicate that the Bees value the striker at around £80 million or more. Thiago remains a Brentford player as negotiations, if any, develop before the September 1 deadline.