Ivan Toney is facing uncertainty over a potential big-money move away from Brentford, as talks with Saudi Arabian club Al-Ahli have yet to yield an agreement. The England striker has expressed his desire to leave, but negotiations between the two clubs are ongoing, with time running out before the transfer window closes.
Al-Ahli officials Saad Al-Lazeez and Michael Emenalo are in London this week to finalize a deal, but Brentford’s initial asking price of £50 million has not been met. With the deadline approaching, Brentford might be willing to accept closer to £40 million, but Al-Ahli’s latest offer of £25 million falls well short of that valuation, leaving Toney’s future hanging in the balance.
The Saudi Pro League’s extended transfer window offers Al-Ahli additional time to secure a deal, but their interest in Napoli’s Victor Osimhen over the weekend adds another layer of complexity. Although Osimhen’s agent has ruled out a move to Saudi Arabia, Toney remains in a state of limbo, unsure whether he will get the move he desires.
Toney’s desire to leave has created concerns about his reintegration into the Brentford squad if the transfer doesn’t materialize. With his contract set to expire next summer, Brentford risks losing him for nothing if they fail to offload him now. The situation is further complicated by interest from other foreign clubs and at least one unnamed Premier League side, though no concrete offers have been made.
Toney had hoped to secure a transfer to a top Premier League club this summer, with Arsenal, Chelsea, Tottenham, West Ham, and Manchester United all previously linked. However, despite his solid performances for England at Euro 2024, none of these clubs have made a move, leaving him in a precarious position.
Brentford have excluded Toney from their squad for the first two games of the season, signaling their readiness to move on without him. Should they sell Toney, the club is not expected to actively seek a replacement, despite the injury to summer signing Igor Thiago, who could miss the rest of the year. Brentford believe they have sufficient depth in attack with Bryan Mbeumo, Yoane Wissa, Kevin Schade, and new £27.5 million signing Fabio Carvalho capable of covering forward positions.
As the transfer deadline looms, Toney’s future remains uncertain, with both player and club awaiting a resolution. Whether Brentford can reach an agreement with Al-Ahli or find another buyer willing to meet their valuation will determine if Toney secures his desired move or faces another season in London.
