Brentford technical director, Lee Dykes, has recently shed light on the ongoing speculation surrounding the future of England international, Ivan Toney. The striker has been linked with a move away from Brentford this summer, with Premier League clubs Chelsea and Arsenal reportedly showing interest.
In an interview, Dykes discussed the uncertainty that currently surrounds Toney’s future at Brentford. Despite significant interest from top-tier clubs like Arsenal and Chelsea, it remains unclear where he will end up or whether any club will be willing to meet Brentford’s hefty asking price of £100 million.
Brentford technical director, Lee Dykes, said:
"Ivan [Toney] is in a similar situation to what David [Raya] was in. He’s got aspirations to go and play at a higher level, which is fine, but it’s got to be on Brentford's terms, obviously, and we've got to do it as a recruitment department and it's particularly my role, I've just got to be ready to know that there may be a situation where we're looking to bring somebody in if Ivan leaves the club, but there's also a situation where Ivan stays at the club and that's what we all want.
"We want Ivan to stay at the club and play Premier League football for Brentford for years to come. But what a fantastic story. You know, we signed him from the third tier of English football and he's now in the England team and hopefully he gets a few appearances over the next couple of months and helps us as a nation go get that elusive trophy.”
Dykes thinks Toney can play for any club in the world
Brentford technical director was effusive in his praise for Toney during his interview. He expressed confidence in the player’s ability to perform at an elite level anywhere in the world. The former Newcastle man has proven himself as a formidable force on the field and is considered one of England's most promising talents.
Brentford added:
“I think Ivan can go and play for any club in the world, I really do. I think he's a, top, top talent. And I think that obviously I have the ability of having worked with Ivan and all the people at Brentford about that luxury. But, you know, when you watch Ivan's game, he's an ability in his own right. But also he makes every player that he plays with better.
"And, you know, I think every club wants somebody to come in and raise the levels of even your existing players. And I think he could do that. Any club in the world and whoever does take him, will be very lucky to have him. That is If he obviously leaves Brentford one day, but hopefully he’ll stay almost for a short period for time to come.”
The saga involving Ivan Toney serves as another reminder of how quickly fortunes can change in football. As sports fans eagerly await updates on his next move, it is clear that whatever decision is made will significantly impact both his career trajectory and potentially reshape dynamics within English football leagues.
