Manchester United target Ivan Toney on the verge of Al Ahli transfer

Manchester United had been keeping tabs on Brentford forward Ivan Toney for much of the summer before they decided to sign Joshua Zirkzee from Bologna ahead of the Englishman and several other targets.

In spite of the Dutch international’s purchase as well as having Rasmus Hojlund available, the Red Devils were linked with a move for Toney for much of August but a swoop for him never really materialised.

Fabrizio Romano has reported that a move to Saudi Arabia beckons for the forward with Al Ahli agreeing to a €42 million deal with the Bees. Toney is also said to have accepted personal terms and an official announcement may be around the corner.

🚨🇸🇦 Al Ahli have also agreed a deal with Brentford for Ivan Toney worth €42m, as L’Équipe reported.

Toney has already accepted as Al Ahli want Osimhen to make final decision as soon as possible.

Al Ahli agreed both Osimhen and Toney deals but NO green light from Victor yet. pic.twitter.com/MA7qWhMa9B

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 30, 2024

Victor Osimhen is also on the Middle Eastern side’s radar and although they are still awaiting a response from the Nigerian, any update from him is unlikely to hinder Toney’s transfer to Jeddah.

Apart from Man United, Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur had also been monitoring Toney but a move to either London side was also on the periphery for much of the summer. While the Blues remain in talks for Osimhen on Deadline Day, Spurs signed Dominic Solanke from Bournemouth instead of the 28-year-old.

Toney’s departure to Saudi Arabia is unlikely to bother Manchester United as in spite of the links to Old Trafford, it is difficult to think that they would have considered a move for him after Zirkzee’s signing.

United are very well-covered in offence, not least in the striker’s position where they have two high-quality young players.

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In the overall perspective of the Premier League, however, Toney’s exit will be a big loss as he was one of the English top-flight’s best marksmen and it remains to be seen if ever he will have another stint in England should we have already seen the last of him for Brentford.