Thiago’s Rise at Brentford: From Injury Struggles to Premier League Sensation

After an impressive tally of 29 goals for Belgian club Club Brugge during the 2023-24 season, Brentford executed a club-record transfer agreement, securing Thiago for £30 million ($40 million).

At that time, expectations were uncertain, and an injury-plagued debut season in England did little to enhance his reputation among skeptics. Thiago’s first appearance for Brentford came in November 2024, following a meniscus injury sustained during a pre-season match against AFC Wimbledon.

His first year with Brentford was characterized by limited opportunities, featuring only eight Premier League appearances due to ongoing knee issues, and he did not score any goals. Nonetheless, it was clear that he possessed the physical attributes capable of challenging any defensive unit.

This season, however, Thiago has showcased his talents in a breakout campaign. He scored his inaugural goal of the season on the opening weekend and has continued to impress. On January 4, he secured his first Premier League match ball by netting a hat-trick in a 4-1 victory over Everton at the Hill Dickinson Stadium. Just three days later, he followed up with a brace in a commendable 3-0 win against Sunderland.

This double brought his season tally to 16 goals, surpassing previous records for Brazilian players in the English top tier. Notably, Liverpool legend Roberto Firmino had scored 15 goals for the Reds in the 2017-18 season, while Arsenal’s Gabriel Martinelli matched that total in 2022-23, and Wolverhampton’s Matheus Cunha also reached that mark last season, eventually earning a £62.5 million ($84 million) transfer to Manchester United.

Currently, only prolific Manchester City striker Erling Haaland, with 20 goals, has outscored Thiago this season. Speculation mounts regarding Thiago’s potential inclusion in the World Cup squad, as Carlo Ancelotti meticulously shapes the Brazil national team’s roster.

Thiago himself admitted he “wasn’t expecting to score this much,” while Brentford manager Andrews expressed pleasant surprise at Thiago’s performance. After witnessing his two-goal contribution against Sunderland, Andrews remarked, “To come from the Bulgarian league, then the Belgian league, have a year out injured, and to impact the league like this – he’s exceeded expectations.

“He’s been sensational; it’s not just the goals but the selfless way he plays the game. His mentality is as good as I’ve ever encountered. He’s a complete centre-forward. I wouldn’t trade him for anyone.”

Thiago’s significance to Brentford is such that he was substituted with eight minutes remaining against Sunderland, a decision that prevented him from achieving back-to-back hat-tricks. Andrews explained, “He’s precious to us. So, when he took a knock, it was always in my mind to manage him and reduce his workload.

“But when he’s on two goals, I know how he thinks, so it was a challenging dilemma. Ultimately, I had to make that decision, which, of course, wasn’t entirely popular with him.”

Many had prematurely dismissed Brentford’s prospects for the season following the summer departures of Bryan Mbeumo and Yoane Wissa, alongside the earlier transfer of England international Ivan Toney in 2024. However, they currently sit fifth in the Premier League table, just one point behind defending champions Liverpool, and remain unbeaten in their last six league matches. Brentford is set to compete in the FA Cup third round this Saturday with a match against Championship side Sheffield Wednesday.