Ivan Toney was widely expected to leave Brentford this summer
The details of Ivan Toney’s lucrative contract offer from the Saudi Pro League have come to light as Manchester United and Chelsea face missing out on the Brentford and England striker.
Toney was widely expected to change clubs this summer, with Brentford even splashing out on Igor Thiago as his direct replacement. But his big move is yet to materialise with just over two weeks to go in the window.
Brentford are reportedly holding out for a £60million offer, despite the fact they could lose their star striker for free when his contract expires in 12 months’ time.
None of the Premier League’s big guns have come calling at that price, and Brentford are expected to lower their demands as the deadline creeps closer. However, the emergence of Saudi interest has shaken up the saga.
According to Footmercato, Al-Ahli have tabled a three-year deal which would bank Toney just shy of £300,000 a week. If accepted, the 28-year-old’s pay packet would skyrocket to several times what he currently earns at the Brentford Community Stadium.
Toney is yet to make a decision on whether to take the Saudi offer. Edouard Mendy, Gabri Veiga, Riyad Mahrez, Franck Kessie and Roberto Firmino are among the well-known stars currently earning their living with Al-Ahli, who finished third in the league last season.
Roberto Firmino signed for Al-Ahli last summer
There is still a chance that Chelsea or United test Brentford’s resolve later in the window. Toney has scored 72 goals in 141 games for the Bees but he spent a large portion of last season on the sidelines due to a betting ban.
Despite the promise of eye-watering wages in the Middle East, and the prospect of interest from Premier League big-hitters, Brentford manager Thomas Frank is allowing himself to dream of Toney remaining in red and white this season.
“There has been a lot of talk about Ivan over the last few years,” the Dane told Sky Sports. “So far, he’s still a Brentford player. I think we’re getting closer and closer to the reality that he is actually a Brentford player.
“I’m getting more and more excited because he’s a top player and I love working with Ivan. We’ve got a fantastic relationship. That’s why I think he will be a Brentford player after the deadline.”
Source: https://www.express.co.uk/sport/football/1936088/ivan-toney-chelsea-man-utd-brentford-al-ahli