Ivan Toney is finally set for his much-anticipated move to the Saudi Pro League and Al Ahli, despite previous interest from clubs like Arsenal. The deal will reap financial rewards for Brentford, but arguably spells the end of the player’s career at the top.
Ivan Toney to Complete Saudi Move: Al Ahli Reach Agreement
Personal Terms Agreed, Medical Soon
David Ornstein has revealed that there is now a “deal in place” between Brentford and Al Ahli for the sale of Toney. Fabrizio Romano has revealed that the fee is a healthy £42 million after the Bees rejected a £35 million bid previously.
The West London club will be pleased with this transfer, despite losing their best player and talisman. His contract expires next summer; the hierarchy would prefer to cash in on the striker now, rather than lose him on a free transfer in a year. However, this is still a significantly lower fee than the £100 million that they had demanded a little over a year ago.
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Romano also revealed that the Saudi club will not continue the pursuit of Chelsea target Victor Osimhen, should they sign Toney. The Blues have an agreement with Napoli and are waiting for the Nigerian to negotiate.
Are Brentford Left Short-Staffed?
Toney was a huge player in Brentford’s 2022/23 9th-place finish, scoring an impressive 20 league goals. He has also just had a strong Euro 2024, becoming the “hero” for England on two occasions. Coming on as a substitute against Slovakia, he assisted Harry Kane’s extra-time winner with a great header. In the next match, he converted a composed penalty against Switzerland in the quarter-finals.
However, Brentford have two quality forwards in Bryan Mbeumo and Yoane Wissa. They had a combined 21 goals and nine assists in the league last season, whilst Toney played only 17 games and scored just four. The Bees could make a deadline-day swoop for a striker, but shouldn’t feel threatened by relegation if they don’t.
