Ivan Toney seals mega-money Saudi Arabia pay day in £40million transfer from Brentford amid Chelsea interest
08/30/2024 06:52 PM
Ivan Toney’s transfer saga has finally come to an end with the striker joining Al Ahli in a £40million deal from Brentford.
The 28-year-old’s future has been the subject of talk all year having refused to extend his stay beyond 2025 at the Gtech Community Stadium.
Chelsea and Arsenal have both held interest in the England international.
The Blues were eyeing up a late swoop for the player, but failed to turn their interest into a formal offer.
As a result, Toney has decided to make the move to Saudi Arabia on a three-year deal.
talkSPORT understands that the ex-Newcastle centre-forward will pocket £50million from his contract in the Middle East.
Incredibly, that works out to over £16million-a-year.
To break that down even further, Toney will bank almost £330,000-a-week at the King Abdullah Sports City.
Commenting on the sale, boss Thomas Frank said: “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.
"On the pitch, he has been a fantastic goalscorer, link-up player and leader. He has pushed the team, the squad and himself."
He added: “It's a wonderful journey that we have been on together. Ivan helped the club and the team, and the club and the team have helped Ivan.
"I'm happy he has an opportunity to try something new in his life and career.
“We thank him for so many magic moments and wish him all the best for his next chapter. Ivan leaves as a Brentford legend."
Toney is yet to feature this season having been left out of each of Thomas Frank’s three matchday squads in all competitions.
The striker leaves west London having banged in 72 goals in 141 games since joining Brentford in 2020.
It’s been a hectic deadline day, with Toney the latest high-profile player to swap clubs.
