Ivan Toney, the talented Brentford forward, has been making waves in the football world with his impressive skills on the field. With 36 Premier League goals in 85 appearances, Toney has proven himself to be a valuable asset to his team. However, recent rumors have been circulating about a potential move to Saudi Arabia, which has sparked a heated debate among football fans and pundits alike.
Former Premier League striker Chris Sutton has weighed in on the issue, stating that Toney should not make the move to Saudi Arabia while he is at his “peak.” Sutton believes that Toney has all the attributes to succeed in the Premier League and that a move to Saudi Arabia would be a waste of his talent. “At this stage of his career, I think Saudi is a no-no,” Sutton said in an interview with the BBC’s Monday Night Club on 5 Live. “He has proven himself in the Premier League and he has all the attributes. His link up, his physicality, set-piece [ability] and his all-round play have developed really well.”
The Case for Staying in the Premier League
Toney’s impressive performance in the Premier League has caught the attention of many top clubs, including Manchester United, who are currently in need of a striker. Sutton believes that Toney would be a good fit for Manchester United and that he should consider staying in the Premier League. “Why doesn’t he just wait another season and then get a move?” Sutton asked. “He’s 28, his career was flourishing then he had the ban, but then he had the high of the Euros at the summer. He is in a really good place at the moment.”
Toney’s experience in the Premier League has been marked by ups and downs, including an eight-month ban for breaking Football Association gambling rules. However, he has bounced back from this setback and has proven himself to be a valuable player for Brentford. His performance in the European Championship final was impressive, and he has shown that he has the skills and talent to succeed at the highest level.
The Financial Aspect
One of the main reasons why Toney is considering a move to Saudi Arabia is the lucrative offer that has been made to him. Al-Ahli, a Saudi Pro League side, has offered Brentford £35m for Toney’s services, which is a significant amount of money. However, Sutton believes that Toney should not be swayed by the financial offer and should consider his long-term career goals. “You can have all the money in the world but this is Ivan Toney at his peak and I would like to see him stay in the Premier League,” Sutton said.
The Impact on Brentford
If Toney were to leave Brentford, it would be a significant blow to the team. Toney has been a key player for Brentford, and his departure would leave a void that would be difficult to fill. Brentford manager Thomas Frank has stated that it is “fair” to ask if it is a matter of when Toney leaves and not if. However, Frank also added that Toney’s departure from Brentford is “not close.”
The Saudi Arabia Option
While Sutton and other pundits have expressed their concerns about Toney’s potential move to Saudi Arabia, there are also some who believe that it could be a good opportunity for him. Saudi Arabia has been investing heavily in its football league, and the country has attracted some top talent in recent years. Toney could potentially benefit from the experience of playing in a new league and could also earn a significant amount of money.
However, there are also some concerns about the standard of football in Saudi Arabia. The Saudi Pro League is not as competitive as the Premier League, and Toney may not be challenged as much as he is in the Premier League. Additionally, there are also some concerns about the human rights record of Saudi Arabia, which could be a factor in Toney’s decision.
The Human Rights Concerns
Saudi Arabia has been criticized for its human rights record, and there are some concerns that Toney’s move to the country could be seen as endorsing the regime. Amnesty International has criticized Saudi Arabia for its treatment of women and minorities, and there are also concerns about the country’s use of the death penalty.
While Toney’s decision is ultimately his own, it is clear that there are many factors to consider. The financial offer from Al-Ahli is significant, but Toney must also consider his long-term career goals and the potential impact on his reputation.
The Future of Ivan Toney
As the transfer window comes to a close, Toney’s future remains uncertain. While there are many factors to consider, it is clear that Toney has the talent and skills to succeed at the highest level. Whether he chooses to stay in the Premier League or move to Saudi Arabia, one thing is certain – Ivan Toney is a player to watch in the world of football.
As Sutton said, “This is Ivan Toney at his peak and I would like to see him stay in the Premier League.” Only time will tell what the future holds for this talented young player.