Ivan Toney left out of Brentford Premier League squad as he enters talks with shock club

The striker could be set to move to a club that no one saw coming.

Ivan Toney has been left out of Brentford’s squad for the Premier League opener against Crystal Palace.

Brentford are set to get their Premier League season under way as they host Crystal Palace on Sunday.

But they are set to be without their star man Ivan Toney, as the striker was left out of the matchday squad for the game.

And new details have emerged about Toney’s future have emerged as the striker has reportedly entered talks with a shock club.

The new report from GiveMeSport correspondent Ben Jacobs suggests that Toney could be set to join Saudi Pro League club Al-Ahli this summer, if they are prepared to meet his salary demands.

The Englishman is said to be demanding a salary of over €20million if he is to make the move to Saudi Arabia.

Speaking on Sky Sports, Brentford manager Thomas Frank gave some insight into Toney’s shock omission from the squad.

He said: “A lot of things are going on with Ivan, especially with transfers, there’s a lot of transfer interest.

“Because of all that, we’ve decided not to include him in the squad. I can’t give too much away.

“Of course, Ivan is a top player, he has been fantastic for us for four years but we showed last season we can cope without him.

“Is it his last game? Who knows. There is interest, it’s not close.”

Should Toney make the move to Al-Ahli, he would join several other former Premier League greats such as Riyad Mahrez and Roberto Firmino who each joined the Saudi club in 2023.

Ivan Toney has scored 67 goals in 128 appearances for Brentford. (Image:Getty)
Ivan Toney has scored 67 goals in 128 appearances for Brentford. (Image:Getty)

But a move away from English football is not guaranteed for the striker, as several Premier League clubs have also shown interest in securing his signature this summer.

According to The Independent, both Manchester United and Chelsea have considered securing a loan move for Toney, with an obligation to buy.

Other reports have suggested that Tottenham Hotspur and West Ham United have also shown interest in the Englishman.

However, with United signing Joshua Zirkzee, Tottenham signing Dominic Solanke, West Ham completing a move for Niclas Fullkrug and Chelsea reportedly edging closer to a deal for Victor Osimhen, it would appear a move within the Premier League may now be difficult for Toney.