Ivan Toney joins Al Ahli: Brentford striker joins Saudi Pro League club for £40m | Football News

Brentford striker Ivan Toney has joined Saudi Pro League side Al-Ahli for £40million.

Toney, who has not played for Brentford this season since manager Thomas Frank admitted interest in the forward had increased, leaves the Bees with a total of 72 goals in 141 games, including 36 in their three seasons in the Premier League.

The 28-year-old missed the first half of last season due to a gambling ban but has since bounced back to feature in the final of Euro 2024, assisting Harry Kane for the winning goal in the 2-1 win over Slovakia and converting a penalty in the shootout against Switzerland.

Toney joined Brentford from Peterborough in the summer of 2020 for an initial transfer fee believed to be in the region of £5million plus bonuses. He went on to guide the club to promotion to the Premier League for the first time after scoring 31 goals in the Championship, including the opening goal in a 2-0 play-off final win over Swansea.

In the Bees’ first season in the top division, he scored 12 times, followed by 20 goals in 2022/23, putting him behind only Erling Haaland and Ivan Toney in terms of top scorers.

At the time, he was already facing a betting charge from the FA and was banned for eight months by the governing body in May 2023. After returning in January, he made 17 appearances for the Bees last season, scoring four goals.

“It’s been a pleasure working with Ivan over the last four years,” Frank said. “He’s averaged over a goal every two games, which is an incredible number.

“On the pitch he is a fantastic goalscorer, link-up player and leader. He has pushed the team, the squad and himself.

“It’s a beautiful journey we’ve been on together. Ivan has helped the club and the team, and the club and the team have helped Ivan.

“I’m delighted he’s been given the opportunity to try something new in his life and career. We thank him for so many magical moments and wish him all the best for his next chapter. Ivan leaves as a Brentford legend.”