Anticipating Toney's departure, Brentford recruits Igor Thiago from Brugge

Jakarta, Beritasatu.com – Brentford recruited Brazilian striker Igor Thiago from Club Brugge in anticipation of striker Ivan Toney leaving at the end of this season.

Thiago, who scored 26 goals in 40 games this season, will join Brentford in July. Toney is likely to be sold because of interest from a number of big Premier League clubs, including Chelsea and Arsenal.

“I'm very pleased we are being proactive as a club,” said Brentford coach Thomas Frank.

According to him, Brentford has recruited key players for important positions. “Thiago is a very promising striker and fits our team's needs,” added the Danish coach.

Frank explained that Thiago has a way of playing that is almost similar to Toney, namely a striker who wants to drop into midfield, helps to press, and is sharp in the penalty box.

“He is a hard worker and very good at pressing. He has a strong physique, is very good in the penalty box, and can build play,” explained Frank.

Last week, Thomas Frank stated that Toney, a 27 year old striker born in Northampton, was a target for several big Premier League clubs.

Toney, who in January was released from an eight-month ban for breaking FA betting rules, also said he wanted to move to a bigger club than Brentford.

“I think it's quite open to move to a big club in the future. There are several scenarios, he leaves this summer, he leaves winter (next year), or he stays until the end of the contract,” said Thomas Frank.