Brentford has reportedly accepted a substantial bid for their star striker, Ivan Toney, as the 2024/25 summer transfer window reaches its climax. The English forward has been a focal point of transfer speculation throughout the window, with numerous clubs from the Premier League and beyond showing interest. Toney’s future has been uncertain, especially as he has not featured for Brentford this season. The London club had anticipated a flurry of offers on deadline day, and it appears that the outcome is now becoming clear.
The primary suitor for Ivan Toney has been Al Ahli, a Saudi Arabian club that has made headlines with its ambitious spending. Reports suggest that Toney has accepted an eye-watering annual wage of €18 million from Al Ahli. This move, if finalized, would mark a significant shift in the player’s career, as he would join a growing list of high-profile footballers making moves to the Saudi Pro League. The final step in this transfer involves Al Ahli reaching an agreement with Brentford to complete the deal.
Chelsea’s Late Interest and the Impact on Ivan Toney’s Transfer
Despite Ivan Toney’s apparent commitment to Al Ahli, recent developments have cast a shadow of doubt over his move. Chelsea, another club interested in the striker, has reportedly made a late push to bring him back to the Premier League. This potential move could complicate the situation, as Ivan Toney weighs the possibility of remaining in England versus joining the lucrative Saudi league. Brentford manager Thomas Frank confirmed that Toney will not feature in the upcoming match against Southampton, further fueling speculation about his imminent departure.
Frank’s statement underscored the ongoing uncertainty regarding Ivan Toney’s future, as he mentioned that Toney is in good spirits and training well. The manager’s comments reflect the tightrope Brentford is walking as they await the finalization of Toney’s transfer. The possibility of a Chelsea move adds another layer of intrigue, as it could influence the final details of the deal with Al Ahli.
Ivan Toney’s Absence and Future Prospects
Ivan Toney, 28, has been notably absent from Brentford’s lineup this season, a situation that has fueled speculation about his future. Toney’s absence from the squad and his exclusion from Brentford’s forthcoming game against Southampton suggest that his focus may already be on the impending transfer. With the Saudi transfer window remaining open until 2 September, Ivan Toney’s move to Al-Ahli does not face the same time constraints as other transfers, allowing for a more seamless transition.
Toney’s exclusion from interim England manager Lee Carsley’s squad for the Nations League fixtures further underscores the transition period in his career. Despite his recent achievements, including scoring 20 goals in the 2022-23 Premier League season and netting four times in his first five matches last season, Toney’s future appears to be shifting towards a new challenge in the Saudi Pro League.
Saudi Pro League’s Growing Influence
The potential arrival of Ivan Toney at Al-Ahli underscores the growing financial power and appeal of the Saudi Pro League. Al-Ahli’s interest in high-profile players, including the potential pursuit of Napoli striker Victor Osimhen, reflects the league’s ambition to attract top talent from European football. The Saudi Pro League’s transfer window, which remains open until 2 September, provides additional leverage for clubs to secure marquee signings beyond the Premier League’s transfer deadline.
Toney’s transfer is indicative of a broader trend where Saudi clubs are increasingly becoming players in the global transfer market, offering competitive deals to attract top footballing talent. As the Saudi Pro League continues to expand its influence, the movement of players like Toney highlights a shift in the dynamics of international football transfers and the growing significance of the league on the world stage.
Al Ahli’s Ambitious Transfer Strategy
Al Ahli’s aggressive pursuit of top talent extends beyond Ivan Toney, as the Saudi club is also in advanced negotiations with Napoli for Victor Osimhen. According to Sky Italia’s Gianluca Di Marzio, Osimhen is expected to receive a lucrative three-year contract worth approximately £33.6 million. Napoli is set to earn £67.3 million plus add-ons from the deal. Al Ahli’s pursuit of Osimhen highlights their commitment to building a formidable squad, bolstering their attacking options with both Toney and the Nigerian striker.
The potential acquisitions of Toney and Osimhen would significantly enhance Al Ahli’s already impressive roster, which includes Premier League stars Roberto Firmino and Riyad Mahrez. As the transfer window edges closer to its deadline, the outcome of these deals will be closely watched by fans and analysts alike. If both transfers go through, Al Ahli’s front line will be a formidable force in the Saudi Pro League, demonstrating the club’s ambition and financial prowess.
