Toney Left Out Amid Transfer Rumors

Brentford striker Ivan Toney was notably absent from the squad in their recent match against Crystal Palace, sparking speculations about his future.

Manager Thomas Frank revealed that Toney’s omission was linked to ongoing transfer interest, particularly from a Saudi Arabian club, Al Ahli, which boasts players like Riyad Mahrez and Roberto Firmino.

An offer had been made for Toney, but Brentford has yet to accept it, leaving the situation in limbo as both clubs continue discussions.

Frank explained that Toney also missed the pre-season training due to extra time off after representing England at Euro 2024, where he played just 42 minutes.

Brentford secured a 2-1 victory over Crystal Palace without Toney, with forwards Bryan Mbeumo and Yoane Wissa stepping up in his absence.

When questioned about what this means for Toney’s future at Brentford, Frank noted, “There’s interest, but there’s nothing close,” indicating uncertainty over the player’s tenure.

Toney is in a unique position as he has only one year left on his contract, creating a critical juncture for Brentford to capitalize on his value before he could leave for free.

Sky Sports pundits discussed the situation, noting how significant this moment is for both Toney, who might explore other options, and Brentford, who are evaluating their strategy in the transfer market.

While Chelsea and Manchester United have shown interest in Toney, they are hesitant about meeting Brentford’s £60m valuation, leading to speculation about a potential loan deal instead.

As the transfer window approaches its close, Brentford has remained firm on their asking price, but with the deadline looming, they may need to reconsider their stance.