Ivan Toney has been left out of Brentford’s squad (Picture: Getty)
Thomas Frank admits Ivan Toney’s absence from Brentford’s Premier League opener with Crystal Palace is transfer-related, with the striker being heavily linked to Saudi Pro League side Al-Ahli.
Toney is out of contract in 12 months’ time and the 28-year-old forward – who had been expected to start at the Gtech Community Stadium – has made no secret of his ambitions to play for a ‘top club’ in the future.
The likes of Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester United have all been credited with an interest in recent months but it’s understood Brentford’s £60million asking price has put Premier League rivals teams off a potential move.
However, Al-Ahli would have no problem meeting the Bees’ valuation of Toney, who is reportedly demanding a salary in excess of £17million to consider a switch to Saudi Arabia.
Eyebrows were raised as Brentford announced their starting XI for the first match of today’s double-header and Frank was pressed on Toney’s surprise omission in his pre-match interview with Sky Sports.
‘There’s a lot of things going on with Iva, especially with transfers,’ the Brentford manager explained.
‘There’s a lot of transfer interest and because of that we decided he would not be in the squad.’
The England striker had been expected to start against Palace (Picture: Getty)
Frank admits Toney’s absence comes as a ‘blow’ to Brentford but is confident the club can survive without the England international, just as they did for the first half of last season.
‘Of course [its’a blow]. He’s a top player and has been fantastic for us,’ he added.
‘But we showed last year that we can deal without him.’
Asked whether Brentford fans may have seen the last of Toney, Frank replied: ‘Who knows. There is interest but it is not close.’
Toney was slapped with an eight-month ban in May 2023 after he was found guilty of 232 breaches of the FA’s betting rules.
It meant Brentford were without Toney until late January and the attacker ended the season with four goals in 17 appearances in the English top flight.
Despite that underwhelming return, Gareth Southgate selected Toney in his squad for England’s Euro 2024 campaign and the Brentford man played a key role coming off the bench for the Three Lions in Germany.
Frank refused to rule out the possibility that Toney may have played his last game for Brentford (Picture: Getty)
Jamie Redknapp, providing punditry for Sky Sports, said he was ‘sure’ Brentford had the strength in depth to cope without Toney should the striker move 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 genuine money for him, real money”, and he’s looking at his options,’ the former Liverpool, Tottenham and England midfielder said.
‘I think maybe a year ago he had a lot more [options] than what he has now.
‘We felt like he was maybe going to Arsenal, that didn’t work out. Chelsea have obviously looked and they’ve maybe not gone for him.
‘But it does feel like Saudi Arabia is obviously an opportunity for him. There’s interest there. He could see out his contract and go as a free agent next year but he probably wants to go and do something now, the club can get money in.
‘The disappointment for Brentford is that they’ve brought in a replacement in Igor Thiago and he’s injured now so it’s going to be a difficult one for them.
‘But they’ve got Bryan Mbeumo and Yoane Wissa and they managed without Toney last year so I’m sure they can now.’
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