🚨🏴 Brentford manager Thomas Frank: “Things are happening for Ivan Toney so we decided not to involve him in the squad”.
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 18, 2024
“There’s interest, nothing closed yet but things are happening”, told Sky. pic.twitter.com/41r3JLgcgy
Brentford’s Ivan Toney was excluded from the squad for their Premier League opener, with manager Thomas Frank citing speculation about a potential transfer as a key reason for the decision.
This summer, Toney, the Brentford striker, has been linked with several English clubs and a potential move to the Saudi Pro League.
Before the match against Crystal Palace, Frank explained to Sky Sports: “There’s a lot happening with Ivan [Toney], especially concerning transfers. There’s significant interest, and because of that, we’ve chosen not to include him in the squad.”
When asked if Toney had already played his last game for Brentford, Frank responded, “Who knows? There is interest, but nothing is close.”
Since joining Brentford from Peterborough United in 2020, the 28-year-old has netted 67 league goals in 128 appearances.
Toney returned to play in January after serving an eight-month ban for breaching Football Association betting rules, which included betting against his own team.
Former Liverpool defender Stephen Warnock commented on the situation, saying Brentford “won’t be surprised” by the transfer speculation.
“Do they believe they can manage without Ivan Toney? Today’s decision suggests that yes, they think they can,” he told BBC Radio 5 Live. “They’re probably at the point where they’re saying, ‘Go ahead, make us an offer.'”
