Ivan Toney Completes £40m Move to Saudi Arabia’s Al-Ahli

Ivan Toney has officially departed the Premier League, sealing a £40 million transfer to Saudi Arabian club Al-Ahli. The former Brentford striker's move comes after a summer filled with speculation and links to several top Premier League clubs, including Chelsea and Manchester United. However, no concrete bids materialized, allowing Al-Ahli to secure Toney's signature.

A New Chapter in Saudi Arabia

Toney, who had been winding down his contract at Brentford, opted for a fresh start in the Saudi Pro League, where he will now earn a significant salary. The move marks a new chapter in the 28-year-old’s career, taking him away from English football after making a substantial impact at Brentford.

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Brentford's Rise with Toney

Toney joined Brentford from Peterborough United, where he had shone in League One. His arrival at Brentford coincided with the club's ascent to the Premier League, a journey he played a crucial role in. Over four seasons, Toney netted 72 goals in 141 appearances, including 36 goals across three Premier League campaigns. His goal-scoring prowess and leadership on the pitch were instrumental in Brentford's success.

A Brentford Legend

Brentford manager Thomas Frank paid tribute to Toney, lauding his contributions to the club's rise. "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," Frank said. "Ivan leaves as a Brentford legend. We thank him for so many magic moments and wish him all the best for his next chapter."

Impact on International Career

Toney's move to Saudi Arabia makes him one of the few England internationals to leave the Premier League while still in their prime. His decision raises questions about the impact on his international career, especially after being included in the England squad for the Euros this summer. As seen with Jordan Henderson, who faced criticism after moving to Saudi Arabia but later returned to Europe, Toney's international future remains uncertain.

As Toney embarks on this new adventure, fans and pundits alike will be watching to see if he continues to make his mark in the Middle East or if a return to Europe could be on the cards in the future.

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