Manchester United discuss Igor Thiago transfer amid striker pursuit
United’s Striker Search
Manchester United are reportedly considering a move for Brentford striker Igor Thiago. This comes as the club looks to potentially sell Joshua Zirkzee this summer. Zirkzee has made 75 appearances for the Red Devils, scoring nine goals.
Zirkzee’s playing time decreased after Carrick’s arrival, making a summer move appear likely. Clubs in Italy are reportedly interested in bringing Zirkzee back to Serie A, with Juventus considered frontrunners. Juventus are said to be interested in a season-long loan with an option for a permanent transfer next summer.
United, however, would prefer a permanent sale for Zirkzee but would need to secure a replacement before the transfer window closes. Ben Jacobs, a transfer journalist, indicates that Thiago is a name being considered due to his performance last season.
Thiago, who is 25 years old, scored 22 goals in 38 league appearances. His form led to a call-up to Carlo Ancelotti’s squad for the World Cup. Despite signing a new contract with Brentford in February, which extends until 2031, United have made enquiries about his situation.
Jacobs stated that Thiago has been discussed as a player who is “Premier League ready.” He clarified that these are internal conversations and calls to understand the player’s situation, noting that securing his transfer this summer would be challenging.
Beyond Thiago, United have also been linked with Dusan Vlahovic, who left Juventus on a free transfer. Vlahovic scored ten goals for Juventus last season and has reportedly received an offer from Turkish side Besiktas. United are also monitoring Ollie Watkins’ situation at Aston Villa, with Watkins also attracting interest from Turkey.
Midfield and Defensive Targets
United have already strengthened their midfield by signing Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans. Additionally, Karl Darlow has joined from Leeds United to serve as a back-up for Senne Lammens. The club is still reportedly looking to add another central midfielder, with Carlos Baleba and Manu Kone mentioned as potential targets.
In defence, United may also consider making a bid for Newcastle United left-back Lewis Hall. Reports suggest Hall is keen on a move to Old Trafford this summer. However, securing Hall could be difficult.
Hall was prominently featured in Newcastle’s new away kit launch, being the only player quoted in the press release and referred to as a “boyhood Magpies fan.” While some saw this as an indication of him staying, players have appeared in promotional material before leaving in the same summer.
Newcastle have already sold Anthony Gordon to Barcelona for £70million and Sandro Tonali to Tottenham for £100m. Despite these sales, Newcastle officials have privately indicated they are not under pressure to sell more players, though a substantial offer would be considered.
The club has insisted that neither Hall nor Bruno Guimaraes are for sale, despite Arsenal’s reported interest in Guimaraes. Losing Guimaraes and Hall after the sales of Gordon and Tonali would be seen as a significant setback for Newcastle. Hall was signed from Chelsea in a £35m deal and is under contract until 2029.
A figure of £50million has been suggested by some United fans for Hall, but it is considered unlikely that Newcastle would sell him for that amount given his contract status. United’s interest in Hall is well-documented, but the chances of signing him this summer appear slim. The most probable scenario is that United will revisit their interest in Hall next summer, when he will have two years remaining on his deal.
United have signed two midfielders and plan to sign another, with scope to spend before the transfer deadline. However, a £70m bid for Hall would strain the budget. The club’s left-back situation for the 2026/2027 season is also a consideration, with Luke Shaw starting every Premier League game last season. Patrick Dorgu and Harry Amass are also in contention for the left-back position.
One potential solution for United could involve playing Dorgu at left-back and reintegrating Rashford to strengthen the left wing. It appears United may need to be patient if they wish to sign Hall.
Source: manchestereveningnews.co.uk
Nathan Crowley is the Sports News Writer at NewsUK, covering rugby union, golf and boxing with six years of reporting experience. He moved from regional newspapers into digital sport. He holds a degree in Journalism from Cardiff University and completed an NCTJ diploma. Based in Cardiff, he plays amateur rugby and follows the Six Nations closely. “Speed and accuracy are not a trade-off in sport news.”
