Ivan Toney transfer latest: Saudi Pro League chase £50m star as Man Utd tipped for bold deadline day call
The Bees striker is ‘one to watch’ in ongoing transfer window
Ivan Toney has been a hot point of transfer conversation throughout this window with the likes of Chelsea, Arsenal and Manchester United all reportedly showing interest in the Brentford frontman.
With 13 days to go until the summer transfer window ends, Toney currently remains at the Gtech Community Stadium. He was, however, left out of Thomas Frank’s squad on Sunday which saw Brentford beat Crystal Palace 2-1 in their opening game of the Premier League 2024/25 campaign.
When asked why the England international had not been selected, the Bees boss told Sky Sports: “A lot of things going on with Ivan, especially with transfers, there’s a lot of transfer interest. Because of all that, we’ve decided not to include him in the squad.
“I can’t give too much away the day before. Of course Ivan is a top player, we all know that. He has been fantastic for us for four years but we showed last season we can cope without him.”
When asked if Toney had played his last game for his side, the Danish coach added: “Who knows. There is interest, it’s not close.”
Taking a look at the latest transfer news, here is where Ivan Toney could end up as the 2024/25 campaign progresses...
Saudi Arabia lead way for £50m star
Saudi Pro League side Al-Ahli are reportedly in ‘talks’ with Brentford over signing the 28-year-old star. The Jeddah-based club have been one of the most proactive sides in terms of ‘big-name’ recruitment and have brought in the likes of ex-Manchester City star Riyad Mahrez, Edouard Mendy from Chelsea and former Liverpool ace Roberto Firmino.
Now, however, it would seem they are after the England international but there remains a discrepancy over his cost. According to the latest reports from TEAMTalk, Brentford remain hopeful of securing as much as £50m for their star striker but the latest reports indicate the initial offer from Al-Ahli were closer to €40m (£34.1m).
Sky Sports journalist Florian Plettenberg has also added to this speculation by taking to X (formerly Twitter) to write of Toney: “One to watch in the next 13 days with many requests and a strong interest from (Saudi Arabia flag).”
Man Utd have ‘no approach planned’
As the interest from Saudi rises, the attention from Manchester United apparently begins to evaporate. The Red Devils had been a key player in the ongoing saga surround Toney. However, Erik ten Hag’s side purchased Bologna striker Joshua Zirkzee this transfer window with the Dutch star going on to score on debut as he helped his new club to beat Fulham 1-0.
It now appears that with the presence of both Zirkzee and Rasmus Hojlund, the Old Trafford side are set to make any Toney-related decision on the final day of August.
In addition to Plettenberg’s comments on Saudi Arabia, the German journalist wrote: “Told again that Manchester United currently not considering to sign Ivan Toney until Deadline Day! No approach is planned yet. Rasmus Højlund and Joshua Zirkzee should play regularly.