Ivan Toney’s transfer to Al-Ahli has one main impediment that is excellent news for Chelsea
Al-Ahli’s move to sign Ivan Toney from Brentford for £40m could be scuppered by Saudi Pro League rules.
On Friday morning, it was revealed Toney looked set to snub interest from the Premier League this summer in favour of joining Saudi Pro League side Al-Ahli, in a deal that would cost £40m. However, with Al-Ahli also looking to sign Victor Osimhen from Napoli for £67m, the Saudi side have put themselves in a difficult situation.
Saudi Pro League rules state clubs can only register 10 non-Saudi born players without an age limit. As things stand, they currently have nine non-Saudi players, Roger Ibanez, Roberto Firmino, Alexsander, Edouard Mendy, Gabri Veiga, Franck Kessie, Riyad Mahrez, Modou Barrow and Merih Demiral, on their books – meaning they can only sign one of Toney or Osimhen unless they sell one of the other nine.
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And that could be a shot in the arm for Chelsea supporters who want to see the Blues land a striker on deadline day. The Blues have been interested in both Toney and Osimhen this summer.
Enzo Maresca has spoken publicly about wanting to bring in another striker despite Chelsea having a host of players not currently training with the first team. They themselves have issues to sort out on deadline day too, with the likes of Raheem Sterling and Ben Chilwell’s future up in the air.
What do you make of Ivan Toney potentially signing for Al-Ahli? Let us know in the comments section below.
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However, should Al-Ahli decide to prioritise one over the other, Chelsea could sign the striker the Saudi Pro League side decide to not to if they cannot sell. Toney, who has drawn interest from the Blues, as well as Manchester United and Arsenal, had one year left on his Brentford deal with the Bees keen to move him on before the end of the transfer window.
Speaking on Thursday, Brentford boss Thomas Frank said: “Ivan trained the whole week. Trained with a good attitude in every aspect. He could be involved, he could not be involved.
“He could be here after August 30 and he could not be here. Basically, everything is up in the air. I’ve said the whole time that if he’s here I’m very happy, if he’s not here then I’m happy on his behalf. Who knows, let’s see, let’s see what will happen.”
