Toney has chosen Saudi Arabia! Why didn’t anyone in Europe want him?

Ivan Toney transferred from Brentford to Saudi Arabia’s Al-Ahli in the final hours of the summer transfer window. The Englishman, who received a 7-month sentence for betting, was given up to 10 times his salary. But why didn’t any of the big clubs reach for the renowned cannonballer? There are several reasons.

• There was a time when Toney could have his pick of the big clubs, but this time he hasn’t attracted any interest
• The striker will be paid £400,000 a week instead of £40,000
• The betting scandal is one of the reasons why the player was a risk for big clubs

During the 2022/23 season, Ivan Toney was one of the most watched footballers around the world. During that season he scored 21 goals and added 5 assists in a Brentford jersey. Surprisingly, he was not nominated for the Winter World Cup. He later proved Southgate wrong at the Etihad Stadium when he scored 2 goals in the Manchester City net.

The problem came in March 2023 when the Englishman was charged with 232 betting offences. The player was later found guilty and was given an 8 month sentence.

Thus, he already missed the last 3 matches of the mentioned 2022/23 season. After the punishment, he jumped into the game only on January 20, 2024 and scored 4 goals within half a year. However, he ended up in Saudi Arabia on the last day of the transfer window.

Toney was not on the radar of the big clubs

Right off the bat, it should be mentioned that the English striker’s contract was up after next season. This fact alone reduces the player’s value, but Brentford demanded a huge package. So no team wanted to invest in a 28 year old player who may only have 1 season left in his prime. It would be an investment that might not pay off.

Another reason is his playing style and strengths. Toney is the type of striker who excels at transitioning quickly into attack and is able to hit opponents in a disjointed defense. Thus, he fits exactly into the style of play that Brentford or teams from the lower tiers of the English Premier League table play.

However, if the player is bought by a big club like Liverpool, Manchester United or Tottenham, there could be a problem. All the big clubs rely on high ball possession and the opponent’s defence is often in a deep block. However, Toney is completely unsuited to that style of play.

And the last reason is, of course, the fear of another penalty. Of course, Toney may already have learned his lesson, but what guarantee is there that history won’t repeat itself? Moreover, the gambling cases are increasing and it is not entirely impossible that the English striker will not sink into gambling again. The chances are probably slim, of course, but there is a chance.

More transfers to Saudi Arabia

Of course, Toney isn’t the only player heading to Saudi Arabia during the summer transfer window. Most likely the first was Nacho from Real Madrid, who was out of contract and didn’t want to face the Spanish big club in any competition. The other players in the Saudi competition will be Chris Smalling, Joao Cancelo and Cristian Tello.

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