Liverpool’s transfer strategy has been forced into a high-stakes "reassessment" this week. On Saturday, December 27, 2025, reports from CaughtOffside and Football365 confirmed that the Reds are actively monitoring Brentford forward Igor Thiago as a primary target for the January window.
The interest comes in the wake of a devastating injury to summer signing Alexander Isak, who is facing months on the sidelines after suffering a fibula fracture during the Reds' win over Tottenham on December 20.
The Profile: Why Igor Thiago?
At 24, the Brazilian hitman has become the revelation of the 2025/26 Premier League season. After a rocky start to his Brentford career due to a meniscus injury, Thiago has exploded into form, earning him the Premier League Player of the Month award for November.
The Record Breaker: Thiago recently became the fastest player in Brentford’s history to reach 10 Premier League goals, hitting the milestone in just 13 appearances—surpassing the record previously held by Ivan Toney (15 games).
Stylistic Fit: Arne Slot reportedly views Thiago as a "perfect tactical match" for his system. Thiago’s high defensive work rate (ranking in the 97th percentile for defensive contributions) and aerial dominance make him an ideal "nine" to lead the Liverpool press.
Finishing Efficiency: He currently sits second in the Premier League Golden Boot race with 11 goals, trailing only Erling Haaland.
The "Isak Crisis" Driving the Deal
Liverpool’s hand has been forced by a nightmare December injury list:
Alexander Isak: Out for "a couple of months" with a broken leg.
Cody Gakpo: Currently sidelined with a muscle strain.
Mohamed Salah: Departing this week for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco.
With the frontline depleted, Slot is pushing for a "proven PL goalscorer" rather than a gamble from abroad. While Antoine Semenyo (Bournemouth) and a loan for Gonçalo Ramos (PSG) are also being discussed, Thiago is seen as the superior long-term investment.
The Financial Hurdle: "Extraordinary" Fees Only
Brentford’s stance is firm. Manager Keith Andrews (who replaced Thomas Frank earlier this season) has publicly stated that the club has no intention of selling their star man mid-season.
The Price Tag: Having signed him for £30m from Club Brugge, Brentford are reportedly demanding an "extraordinary offer" to even open negotiations—likely in the region of £65m–£75m.
The Competition: Liverpool aren't alone; Newcastle, Aston Villa, and Tottenham are all reportedly tracking Thiago's progress ahead of the new year.
The Verdict: Liverpool are in a race against time. With the January window opening in four days, they must decide whether to break the bank for Thiago or settle for a short-term loan like Gonçalo Ramos to bridge the gap until Isak returns.