Ivan Toney Transfer News: Will wantaway Brentford striker head to Saudi?
Ivan Toney was left out of Brentford's matchday squad for Sunday's meeting with Crystal Palace with head coach Thomas Frank admitting beforehand that the striker's absence was due to "transfer interest". That has naturally sparked speculation as to where next for Toney.
Ahead of the summer window, Toney was linked with a high profile transfer but any move has failed to materialise. While Frank has also stated that there is "nothing close" over a transfer, rumours are rife over where the England international will move. With Toney's contract expiring next summer, Brentford are keen to cash in on the 28-year-old this year rather than lose him on a free in 12 months' time.
With that, we take a look at where Toney could move in the final knockings of the transfer window.
A move to Saudi Pro League side Al-Ahli has been mooted for Ivan Toney. While he is reportedly demanding a salary of over €20m per year, it's a transfer not to be ruled out. The Saudi outfit have a number of household names on the books, including Roberto Firmino, Franck Kessie, Riyad Mahrez and Edouard Mendy, and a move for a striker of Toney's calibre, a player arguably in the peak years of his career, would be a coup.
Arsenal were heavily linked with a move for Ivan Toney at the turn of the year, though Brentford's high asking price ended any hopes of a deal for the England striker. Nevertheless, could the Gunners make a late push for Toney? Arsenal are in need of a forward before the close of the window and if Brentford are willing to lower their asking price, a switch to the Emirates wouldn't be a surprise.
Even as Tottenham closed in on the signing of Dominic Solanke, rumours of interest in Ivan Toney refused to die down. Toney was one of the strikers on the club's radar when it was clear they'd target a forward this summer. Solanke has joined from Bournemouth but with European action back on the cards, Spurs could utilise another striker considering the increase in action this season.
🏴 Ivan Toney's statistically calculated WhoScored characteristics:
— WhoScored.com (@WhoScored) August 18, 2024
✅ Strengths
🟢 Aerial duels
🟢 Direct free-kicks
🟢 Long shots
🟢 Through balls
❌ Weaknesses
🔴 Offside awareness
🔴 Passing pic.twitter.com/W8bumuSY92
Like Spurs, Manchester United have already signed a striker this summer, bringing in Joshua Zirkzee from Bologna. With Rasmus Hojlund also on the books, a move for Ivan Toney is low on United's priority list. However, with two young forwards at his disposal, Erik ten Hag may push for Toney to add an experienced frontman to the ranks. He'd provide an effective focal point to the attack, and a physical presence that Ten Hag likes in a striker.
Might a short trip across west London be on the cards for Ivan Toney? Chelsea are looking to sign a new striker this summer with Samu Omorodion and Victor Osimhen both rumoured targets for the Blues. Toney, though, boasts the requisite Premier League experience that means Chelsea might just explore a transfer for the 28-year-old before the close of the transfer window.
