Wantaway Brentford striker, Ivan Toney, is reportedly set to seal a switch to Saudi Arabia with the England striker agreeing personal terms on a lucrative deal with Al-Ahli.
Toney has been absent from both of Brentford’s matchday squads so far with Thomas Frank honest about the striker’s likely exit.
Toney has been left out of Brentford’s squad so far this season
After returning to Brentford after reaching the EURO’s final in the summer with England, many expected the 28-year-old to at least play for Thomas Frank’s side with a transfer for the forward yet to be agreed and rumours seemingly silent.
However, Toney was omitted from Brentford’s squad that beat Crystal Palace on the opening game of the season, Thomas Frank explained following the game: “A lot of things are going on with Ivan, there is some transfer interest.
“Because of that, he is not in the squad. Ivan is a top player — we all know that. He has been a fantastic player for us for four years, but we showed last year we could cope without him”.
Toney remained absent from Brentford’s trip on Sunday to face Liverpool despite the striker yet to seal a move elsewhere, although strong rumours of a Saudi Arabian move for the 28-year-old have persisted.
Saudi Pro League chiefs are in London to iron out a deal
Toney’s proposed move to Al-Ahli is now set to be finalised with both the Saudi Pro League’s chairman, Saad Al-Lazeez, and sporting director, Michael Emanelo, in London to finalise a transfer in the next 24 hours, according to GiveMeSport’s Ben Jacobs.
Al-Ahli are believed to have now reached an agreement with Ivan Toney himself over a three-year deal that is expected to be a lucrative offer, as is usually the case with SPL deals.
Talks between the two clubs have now been described as ‘very advanced’ with further clarity expected to be provided imminently.
Brentford were previously reported to have demanded £50 million to sanction Toney’s sale, with Al-Ahli’s opening bid valued at £35 million.
Various Premier League sides were previously believed to be interested in Toney
A transfer to Saudi Arabia has come relatively out of the blue for Ivan Toney after months of speculation around the England international and various rumours of Premier League sides chasing the Brentford striker.
The Independent revealed back in December of 2023, a month before Toney’s return from his eight-month betting ban, that Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal were leading the race for the striker with Chelsea and Tottenham also interested.
A Premier League move has failed to materialise however with Tottenham signing Dominic Solanke, Chelsea signing Joao Felix and Marc Guiu, as well as Arsenal now seemingly content with having Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz as their forward options.