West Ham United and Tottenham could move for Ivan Toney in transfer twist
West Ham United and Tottenham could provide Ivan Toney with an exit route from Saudi Arabia, according to Stan Collymore.
The 28-year-old was absent from the Brentford squad that beat Crystal Palace 2-1 on Saturday [17 August] as he awaits a move to Saudi Arabian side Al Ahli [Sky Sports, 21 August].
Collymore, writing in his Caught Offside column [22 August], believes Toney – who has netted 36 Premier League goals for Brentford – is making the wrong move for his career and suggests West Ham or Tottenham could offer a return to England in the future if it doesn’t pan out for the striker in Saudi Arabia.
He said: “If [Dominic] Solanke doesn’t work out at Spurs, or if West Ham are still on the lookout for a hit-man, there’s a possibility that there’s a route back to the top of the English game for Ivan Toney… but don’t hold your breath.”
West Ham United would love Ivan Toney signing
The England international has not been without his fair share of controversy following his eight-month ban for gambling offences in 2023 [Sky Sports], but was still selected by Gareth Southgate for the Euro 2024 squad and proved his worth with a crucial penalty against Switzerland.
A return of four Premier League goals last season after his return to football in January 2024 has led to top European sides cooling their interest in the forward and the Hammers may yet the perfect opportunity to strike.
Before his ban, he notched 32 goals and 11 assists in 85 Premier League appearances for Brentford, establishing himself as one of the most clinical strikers in the English top flight.
Michael Antonio looked like a duck out of water against Aston Villa and, at the age of 34, his time as a starter in East London looks to be over alongside 32-year-old Danny Ings.
Niclas Fullkrug is set to be the main man at the London Stadium this season, but despite helping Borussia Dortmund reach the Champions League final last term, there are still question marks whether he will be a success in England.
Toney is a natural goalscorer and has performed on the top stage for years. If West Ham have an opportunity to bring him to East London next year, they must act swiftly and save him from a career-ending move in the Middle East.
In other West Ham news, the Hammers are monitoring Kieran Trippier amid an exit from Newcastle United.
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