As the summer transfer window heated up, the football world was abuzz with speculation surrounding Brentford’s striker Ivan Toney’s next move. With his contract nearing its end and a stellar goal-scoring record, Toney had become one of the most sought-after forwards on the market. This article looked at the latest betting odds, potential destinations, and the factors that influenced Toney’s eventual transfer decision.
Who is Striker Ivan Toney?
Ex Brentford striker Ivan Toney, the 28-year-old England striker, has been a revelation since joining Brentford. With 72 goals in 141 appearances, his prowess in front of goal made him a standout performer in the Premier League. His consistent performances not only earned him national team call-ups but also drew serious interest from top clubs across Europe.
Toney’s journey from lower league clubs to Premier League star served as a testament to his dedication and talent. His ability to hold up play and deliver clinical finishes made him a valuable asset for any team seeking to bolster its attack.
Why Did Ivan Toney Leave Brentford?
Toney’s contract with Brentford was set to expire in the 2025 Premier League season, and with no signs of a renewal from either party, the club decided to cash in on their star striker and started looking for Ivan Toney’s next club. Rumours indicated that Brentford were willing to accept offers in the region of £40 million to £50 million—a notable drop from their initial £70 million valuation.
Toney’s ambitions played a major role in the decision. He wanted to compete at a higher level and feature in European competitions. Brentford manager Thomas Frank acknowledged the situation at the time, saying that the club was prepared for life without Toney.
Arsenal: The Frontrunners for the Ex-Brentford Striker – 13/8
Arsenal had emerged as the favourite to sign Toney, with bookmakers like Oddschecker offering odds of 13/8. Mikel Arteta had been eager to bring in a proven goal scorer, especially with Arsenal looking to mount a serious Premier League title challenge.
Toney’s fondness for Arsenal wasn’t a secret. He had previously shown support for the club on social media, which further fueled transfer speculation. With Arsenal’s attack in need of reinforcement, Toney appeared to be a perfect fit to lead the Gunners’ frontline.
Chelsea’s Pursuit of a New Striker – 5/1
Chelsea were also in the mix for the services of Toney, reportedly targeting Toney as a solution to their prolonged striker dilemma. The Blues had been without a consistent goal scorer since Diego Costa, and Toney’s Premier League credentials made him a very attractive candidate.
Despite the interest, Chelsea faced stiff competition and needed to act quickly. With odds of 5/1 likely that Toney could don the blue jersey, they were considered outsiders in the race to land the Brentford man.
Manchester United’s Interest: Was It Realistic? – 13/2
Man United’s interest in Toney was well-documented, especially as they looked for attacking reinforcements. However, the presence of Rasmus Højlund and the arrival of Joshua Zirkzee created complications.
Although Toney would have added valuable depth, a guaranteed starting spot at Man United wasn’t likely, which may have affected his willingness to make the move. Man United’s odds sat at around 13/2, signalling a long shot in the eyes of bookmakers.
Tottenham’s Search for Kane’s Replacement – 7/2
After Harry Kane’s departure to Bayern Munich, Tottenham Hotspur found themselves in need of a new talisman. Toney’s style—physical, aggressive, and instinctive—ticked many boxes for the North London club.
Tottenham had been given odds of 7/2, placing them as one of the stronger contenders. Remaining in London would also have appealed to Toney, possibly giving Spurs an edge.
Saudi Arabia’s Big-Money Bid – Al Ahli
Saudi Arabian club Al Ahli had reportedly tabled a major offer for Toney, involving a £40 million transfer fee and a contract worth £50 million over three years. The financial terms were hard to ignore, but the move risked impacting Toney’s international career with England.
Ultimately, while the money was tempting, the trade-off in terms of exposure and competition level might have deterred him from accepting the move to the Saudi Pro League.
Other Premier League Clubs That Showed Interest
Other top-flight clubs, including Crystal Palace, West Ham United, and Aston Villa, had all expressed interest in signing Toney and were all somewhat linked with a move regarding toney. However, their chances were slim, with odds of 13/2 and 20/1, respectively. While each team could have used his attacking output, they lacked the financial muscle and allure of clubs like Arsenal or Chelsea.
What Did the Bookmakers Say?
Betting markets were active during the saga, and odds from BetVictor and other leading sites painted a clear picture of the favourites:
- Arsenal: 13/8 (38.1%)
- Tottenham: 7/2 (22.2%)
- Chelsea: 5/1 (16.7%)
- Manchester United: 13/2 (13.3%)
- West Ham: 13/2 (13.3%)
- Aston Villa: 20/1 (4.8%)
- Any Saudi Club: 1/2 (66.7%)
These numbers reflected the shifting dynamics of the transfer market and the growing certainty that Toney would depart Brentford before the window closed.
Conclusion: Who Fought the Hardest for Toney?
Ivan Toney’s potential transfer was one of the most hotly debated topics of the summer. Multiple clubs from both England and abroad vied for his signature, each presenting their own unique case—be it competitive ambition, financial power, or personal appeal.
In the end, the decision boiled down to a mix of financial considerations, playing time guarantees, and the opportunity to play on Europe’s biggest stages. Wherever he ended up, there was no doubt that the Brentford striker had options in abundance.
Key Takeaways:
- Ivan Toney left Brentford during the summer transfer window.
- Arsenal were the bookmakers’ favourites to sign him.
- Chelsea, Tottenham, and Manchester United also showed significant interest.
- Saudi club Al-Ahli submitted a high-value offer.
- Brentford were ready to accept a £40–£50 million fee.
- Toney’s choice was influenced by a mix of ambition, money, and playing opportunities.
