Ivan Toney, the forward for Brentford, recently received a £35m bid from Saudi Pro League side Al-Ahli. However, former Premier League striker Chris Sutton believes that Toney should not make the move to Saudi Arabia while he is at his “peak.” Sutton emphasizes that Toney has proven himself in the Premier League and should choose to stay there.
Sutton praises Toney’s attributes, including his link-up play, physicality, set-piece ability, and all-round development. He believes that Toney is currently at the peak of his career and it would be a waste for him to move to Saudi Arabia at this stage. Sutton suggests that Toney should wait another season and then consider a move if he desires. He even jokingly mentions that he would go to Saudi Arabia when he was 35 and no longer at his best.
Toney, who was part of the England squad that reached the European Championship final in the summer, had a successful season despite serving an eight-month ban for breaking Football Association gambling rules. Sutton feels that Toney is in a good place at the moment, and it would be a shame for him to waste his talent in Saudi Arabia. He suggests that Toney could be a good fit for Manchester United, who currently lack a striker.
Izzy Christiansen, another pundit on the Monday Night Club, questions why no Premier League clubs have signed Toney yet. She believes that Toney’s stock should be high considering his recent performances and success at the Euros.
Brentford manager Thomas Frank acknowledges that it is fair to question when Toney will leave the club, but assures that his departure is not imminent.
In conclusion, while Toney received a lucrative offer from Saudi Arabia, experts and pundits believe that it would be a waste for him to make the move at this point in his career. They emphasize his success in the Premier League and urge him to stay in the top flight. The discussion raises questions about why no Premier League clubs have pursued Toney and suggests potential destinations for him, such as Manchester United.