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Thomas Frank admits Ivan Toney’s absence from Brentford’s Premier League opener against Crystal Palace could be linked with a move away, with the striker heavily linked with Saudi Professional League side Al Ahly.
Tony’s contract expires in 12 months and the 28-year-old forward was expected to start at the Gtech Community Stadium. He has made no secret of his ambition to play for a “top club” in the future.
like arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester United All sides have shown strong interest in recent months but it is understood that Brentford’s £60m asking price has put Premier League rivals off a move.
However, Al Ahly would not mind meeting the Bees’ valuation of Toney, who is reportedly demanding a salary of more than £17m to consider a move to Saudi Arabia.
There was a surprise when Brentford announced their starting line-up for the first game of today’s double header and Frank was asked about Toney’s unexpected absence during his pre-match interview with Sky Sports.
“Ivar has a lot to do, especially with transfers,” the Brentford manager explained.
“There was a lot of interest in a transfer so we decided not to include him in the squad.”
Frank admitted Toney’s absence is a “blow” for Brentford but believes the club can survive without the England international, as it did in the first half of last season.
“Of course (it’s a blow). He’s a top player and has been very good for us,” he added.
“But we proved last year that we can cope without him.”
Asked if Brentford fans had seen the last of Tony, Frank replied: “Who knows. There is a lot of interest in Tony but it’s not even close.”
Tony was handed an eight-month ban in May 2023 after being found guilty of 232 breaches of the FA’s betting rules.
It means Brentford will not have Toney on the pitch until the end of January, with the striker finishing the season with four goals in 17 games in England’s top flight.
Despite his disappointing performance, Gareth Southgate selected Toney in England’s Euro 2024 squad, with the Brentford man playing a key role off the bench for the Three Lions in Germany.
Sky Sports pundit Jamie Redknapp said he was “confident” Brentford had the quality in place to cope with Toney’s departure if the striker moved on before the transfer deadline.
“He’s got a year left on his contract so for the club, they’re probably thinking, ‘This is our last chance to get some real money for him’ and he’s considering his options,” said the former Liverpool, Tottenham and England midfielder.
“I think maybe a year ago he had a lot more options than he does now.”
“We thought he might go to Arsenal but it didn’t work out. Chelsea obviously thought about him but they probably didn’t sign him.
“But I think Saudi Arabia is clearly an opportunity for him. There is a lot of interest there. He could finish out his contract and leave as a free agent next year, but he might want to do something now so the club can make money.
“The disappointment for Brentford is that they have brought in Igor Thiago as a back-up but he is now injured so it will be difficult for them.”
“But they have Bryan Mbeumo and Yoane Wissa, and they were able to succeed without Tony last year, so I believe they can do it now.”
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