Al Ahli Approach Brentford for Ivan Toney
The summer transfer window is always a hotbed of speculation and excitement, and the latest buzz revolves around Brentford’s star striker, Ivan Toney. The Saudi Pro League club Al Ahli has made a significant approach to acquire the England international, which has sparked widespread interest and discussion in the football community.
Background on Ivan Toney
Ivan Toney has been a standout performer for Brentford since his arrival from Peterborough United in 2020. His impressive goal-scoring ability and playmaking skills have made him a key figure in Brentford’s rise in the Premier League. Toney’s contributions helped solidify the Bees’ place in the top tier of English football, and he has since attracted interest from several clubs, both in the Premier League and abroad.
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Al Ahli’s Interest
Al Ahli, a prominent club in the Saudi Pro League, has identified Toney as a priority target for their squad as they seek to bolster their attacking options. Reports indicate that Al Ahli made an initial verbal approach to Brentford, offering £35 million for the striker. However, this offer was swiftly rejected, as Brentford’s management believes the amount is insufficient for a player of Toney’s caliber, especially given his importance to the team and the fact that he has just one year remaining on his contract.
Contract and Financial Implications
Toney’s current contract with Brentford runs until the summer of 2025, putting the club in a precarious position. If they do not sell him this summer, they risk losing their talisman on a free transfer next year. This situation has led Brentford to consider offers around the £50 million mark, as they aim to secure a substantial fee for their star player. Al Ahli has reportedly offered Toney a lucrative three-year contract worth approximately €18 million per year, along with additional bonuses that could see him earn over €115 million if he fulfills the contract terms. This salary significantly exceeds Toney’s current earnings of £20,000 per week at Brentford, making the Saudi offer financially attractive.
Brentford’s Stance
Despite the tempting offer from Al Ahli, Brentford’s manager, Thomas Frank, has expressed a desire to retain Toney, especially given the injury to Igor Thiago, which has left the team short on attacking options. Frank’s comments suggest that the club is not keen to part ways with Toney at this late stage in the transfer window, emphasizing the striker’s value to the squad.
Toney’s Future
As the transfer window approaches its deadline on August 30, Toney’s future remains uncertain. He was notably absent from Brentford’s opening match against Crystal Palace, a decision attributed to the ongoing transfer discussions and his lack of pre-season preparation. Frank confirmed that Toney’s omission was due to the transfer interest surrounding him, indicating that the situation is fluid and could change rapidly.
Toney himself has not publicly confirmed his desire to move to Al Ahli or any other club, suggesting that he is weighing his options carefully. The possibility of remaining at Brentford and entering free agency next summer has not been ruled out, which could allow him to choose his next club without a transfer fee.
The Bigger Picture
Toney’s potential move to Al Ahli is part of a larger trend of high-profile players considering moves to the Saudi Pro League, which has been aggressively pursuing talent to elevate its status in global football. Al Ahli’s interest in Toney follows their attempts to sign other Premier League stars, including Richarlison from Tottenham Hotspur, demonstrating their ambition to build a competitive squad.
The situation surrounding Ivan Toney is one to watch as the transfer window progresses. With Al Ahli’s interest and Brentford’s firm stance, the coming weeks will be crucial in determining whether Toney will remain in the Premier League or make a lucrative move to the Saudi Pro League. As the clock ticks down to the transfer deadline, both clubs and fans alike will be eager to see how this saga unfold.
Al Ahli Approach Brentford for Ivan Toney
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