9
Manchester United invested a small fortune in Benjamin Sesko last summer, but that has not put an end to their plans to improve on the number 9 position this year. The Slovenian hitman arrived at Old Trafford with a fierce reputation but has taken time to acclimatise to the rigors of the Premier League.
After a slow start to the season, Sesko has picked up the pace since the turn of the year and now has seven goals in 23 league games. However, Joshua Zirkzee continues to be linked with a move away from the Theater of Dreams, so the Red Devils are keeping their options open.
There is a belief that adding more competition to the number 9 position will aid Sesko’s development and help distribute the workload if United secure European football next season. The English giants have focused on Premier League-proven quality of late and could follow that trend this summer.
One player who has probably earned admirers at Old Trafford after reaching the top of European football this season is Brentford striker Igor Thiago.
One of the Premier League’s best marksmen
Brentford signed Thiago to replace Ivan Toney in the summer of 2024, but the Brazilian had an injury-riddled debut season. However, he has put aside his fitness issues this season and transformed into one of the Premier League’s most lethal goalscorers.
Only Erling Haaland, 22, has scored more goals than Thiago in the league this season, forcing his suitors to take note.
Igor Thiago stats: 2025/26 season
| Competition | Performances | Begins | Goals | Assists | Yellow cards | Red cards | Minutes played |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Premier League | 26 | 25 | 17 | 1 | 5 | – | 2,207′ |
| EFL Cup | 1 | 0 | 1 | – | 1 | – | 30′ |
| Total | 27 | 25 | 18 | 1 | 6 | – | 2,237′ |
Source: Transfer market.
Thiago recently revealed that United have grown his love for football, suggesting he could be open to a move to the Theater of Dreams. However, it now appears that getting him away from the Gtech Community Stadium will be no easy feat.
Brentford want club record fee for Thiago
According to SPORTS TREEBrentford will only let their prized asset leave for a club record fee, more than the £71 million United paid for Bryan Mbeumo last summer. The report states: “Aston Villa were linked with the Brazilian hitman earlier this season, but the winter window passed without alarm for the Bees in terms of their top scorer.”
“League leaders Arsenal, Manchester United and Chelsea are all said to have spoken about the in-form marksman, who has been a revelation at the GTech Community Stadium this season.”
“It is clear that only a club record sale, surpassing Bryan Mbeumo’s £71million, would entice the Bees to part with the player.”
Brentford have already extended the Brazilian’s contract until 2031 and have the upper hand in any negotiations. The Bees are traditionally smart negotiators, so all indications are that the Red Devils will have to pay a premium to get their man.
Final thoughts
United are preparing for a successful summer transfer window, but their focus is likely to be on midfield, which will be weakened by Casemiro’s departure. There are several Premier League-proven candidates on their wish list, and the whole story is likely to cost a small fortune.
It is therefore unclear whether the Red Devils will have enough money to spend on Thiago. While the Brazilian would have been a fantastic addition to the squad, United could be tempted to opt for cost-effective options.
Featured image George Wood via Getty Images
The Peoples Person has been one of Man United’s most important news sites for over ten years. Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social
#Igor #Thiago #United #learns #Brentford #strikers #huge #price #Man #United #News #Transfer #News #Peoples #Person