Brentford’s Technical Director, Lee Dykes, has acknowledged the imminent departure of Ivan Toney from the club, emphasizing that the striker could be leaving “very shortly.” Dykes cautioned potential suitors eyeing a January move, stating that they must be prepared to meet a substantial transfer fee.
Ivan Toney, who netted 20 goals in the Premier League last season, is set to make a competitive return next month after an eight-month gambling ban kept him sidelined since May. Despite his anticipated comeback, speculation about Toney’s future has intensified, with both Arsenal and Chelsea expressing interest in the striker, valued at approximately £80 million.
While Toney becomes eligible for first-team action on January 16, he will enter the final 18 months of his contract. Brentford seems inclined to sell their prized asset in the summer, if not sooner. Lee Dykes expressed his enthusiasm for Toney’s return, highlighting the player’s impressive form in training and suggesting an even better performance upon his comeback.
Acknowledging the expected interest in Toney during the January transfer window, Dykes recognized the striker’s standing as one of the top performers in the Premier League. With Toney ranking as the third-highest scorer last season, Dykes asserted that the player is among the top strikers globally and predicted a high level of interest in his services.
Dykes admitted that the time for Toney to move to another club might arrive soon, but emphasized that any interested party would need to meet a considerable transfer fee due to Toney’s exceptional talent. Brentford, known for cultivating talent and securing profitable transfers, has seen the likes of Said Benrahma and Ollie Watkins leave for substantial fees.
Additionally, goalkeeper David Raya is expected to finalize a permanent move to Arsenal at the end of the currentseason.
