England striker Ivan Toney will continue his career in the Saudi Pro League following a permanent deadline day exit from Brentford.
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Toney completes Brentford exitAl-Ahli win race for strikerChelsea & Man Utd were linkedWHAT HAPPENED?
Toney signed a four-year contract with Al-Ahli and will wear number 71, which is a reverse of the 17 he previously had at Brentford. The move means linking up with fellow ex-Premier League players Riyad Mahrez, Roberto Firmino and Edouard Mendy, as well as former Barcelona star Franck Kessie.
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Toney had not played for Brentford in the opening weeks of 2024-25 while his future was being resolved. The striker was set on a move and had entered the final year of his contract, making a sale for the Bees imperative. There had been late talks with Chelsea, with manager Enzo Maresca publicly stating his desire for another striker, and even Manchester United links. But Toney wound up taking the Saudi Pro League option. Meanwhile, Victor Osimhen, who was also heavily linked with both Chelsea and Al-Ahli now waits in limbo at Napoli.
Getty Images SportWHAT BRENTFORD SAID
Bees manager Thomas Frank had a touching parting message: "Ivan leaves as a Brentford legend."
The Dane added: "It's been a pleasure to work with Ivan over the last four years. He has averaged more than one goal every two games, which is an unbelievable number. On the pitch, he has been a fantastic goalscorer, link-up player and leader. He has pushed the team, the squad and himself."
WHAT NEXT?
With the Saudi Pro League already paused for the September international break, Toney will have to wait a little while for his debut. But, having been left out of the England squad by new interim boss Lee Carsley, the next two weeks will be vital in starting to get settled in a new country and environment. His first opportunity to play for Al-Ahli will be against Cristiano Ronaldo's Al-Nassr on Friday, September 13.
