Thomas Frank has said there are “a lot of things going on” over the potential departure of Ivan Toney after the striker was left out of Brentford vs Crystal Palace in the Bees’ 2024-25 Premier League opener.
England forward Toney is out of contract in under 12 months and has been linked with a move to Saudi Pro League side Al-Ahli.
“I can’t give too much away,” Frank said, speaking to Sky Sports before the match at the Gtech Community Stadium on Sunday (2pm BST), adding that Toney was not in the squad “because of all that”.
“Ivan is a top player, we all know that. He has been fantastic for us for four years but we showed last season that we can cope without him.”
💬 Thomas on Ivan Toney’s absence
“There’s some transfer interest and because of all that we decided not to involve him today. Ivan is a top player; he’s been fantastic for us over four years but we also showed, last year especially, that we can win without him”#BRECRY pic.twitter.com/mdXp6A7eeh
— Brentford FC (@BrentfordFC) August 18, 2024
Brentford vs Crystal Palace: Toney out
Frank said he did not know whether Toney had played his last game for Brentford and suggested that a deal is “not close” with any other club.
Toney scored four goals in five matches after returning in January from an eight-month ban for breaking FA gambling rules.
The former Peterborough, Newcastle and Northampton Town player did not net during his subsequent 12 club appearances of last season.
The 27-year-old had an impactful campaign as a substitute at Uefa Euro 2024, setting up Harry Kane’s extra-time winner in the Three Lions’ dramatic comeback win over Slovakia and scoring a penalty during their shoot-out victory over Switzerland without appearing to look at the ball.
“The club are probably thinking this is the last time for us to get genuine money” 💰
Is it the right time for Brentford to sell Ivan Toney? 🤔 pic.twitter.com/19c18ActSq
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) August 18, 2024
Toney transfer
“The club are probably thinking this is their last chance to get some genuine money for him,” former England midfielder Jamie Redknapp told the broadcaster.
“A year ago… we felt like he was stonewall to maybe go to Arsenal. That didn’t work out. Chelsea have obviously looked and maybe not gone for him.
“Saudi Arabia is an opportunity for him. There’s interest there. He could wait and see out his contract and go as a free agent but he probably wants to go and do something now and the club can get money in.
“They’ve got [Bryan] Mbeumo, they’ve got [Yoane] Wissa. They managed without him last year and I’m sure they can now. I’m a big fan of his.”
Club-record signing Igor Thiago was seen as a potential replacement for Toney when he arrived for £30 million from Club Bruges in July, only to require meniscus surgery which is expected to keep the Brazilian out until the end of 2024.
