Man Utd in race against time as Toney receives 'mouthwatering' offer

Tom Weber

Updated: 19 Aug 2024 16:29 BST
4 min read

Saudi giants Al-Ahli are pushing hard to secure the signature of Ivan Toney.

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The England striker is closer than ever to leaving Brentford. Dropped by the Bees for their Premier League opener against Crystal Palace, it is evident that the 28-year-old is gearing up for an exit.

Coach Thomas Frank confirmed as much when he stated that “a deal is not close but we hope it will be," expressing a desire to get the wantaway star off the books as quickly as possible. "He has been one of our best players, if not our best player over a long spell.

“Like with any good player, one day they will leave. All the top players in the Premier League, one day they will leave the club and someone else needs to step up and do well."

However, it is looking increasingly as though Toney will not make the jump to an elite Premier League side as he had initially hoped.

Saudis push for Toney

Rather than Man Utd or Chelsea, who both hold a credible interest, it is Saudi Pro League side Al-Ahli who are pushing to secure the striker's signature.

The reasons why Premier League sides have refrained from Toney are manifold: his age, Brentford's valuation and general Profit and Sustainability concerns.

Al-Ahli, on the other hand, have no issues with moving for Toney. It was previously claimed that the Jeddah giants have offered the striker €18 million per season on a three-year deal.

This would see Toney receive a whopping €54m over the duration of his contract, but according to Ben Jacobs, the Englishman is holding out for an annual salary of €22m.

Brentford, meanwhile, are demanding a fee in the region of around €60m after rejecting an offer of €40m last week. Sky Sports reporter Kaveh Solhekol has described the riches on the table for Toney as 'mouthwatering.'