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Brentford's Ivan Toney seals £40m move to Saudi side Al Ahli

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Brentford striker Ivan Toney has completed a transfer to Saudi Pro League side Al Ahli, the clubs announced on Friday.

ESPN reported earlier on Friday that Toney agreed a lucrative three-year contract with Al Ahli set to pay a transfer fee of £40 million ($53 million).

He had been subject to interest from a number of top Premier League clubs in recent years, including Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester United.

Brentford had managed to keep hold of his services. However, Toney entered the final year of his contract this summer, and the west London club reluctantly admitted they need to cash in on the wantaway striker this month rather than risk losing him for nothing.

"It's been a pleasure to work with Ivan over the last four years," Brentford head coach Thomas Frank said in the team's announcement.

"He has averaged more than one goal every two games, which is an unbelievable number.

"On the pitch, he has been a fantastic goalscorer, link-up player and leader. He has pushed the team, the squad and himself."

Toney scored 72 goals in 141 appearances for Brentford, who he helped achieve promotion to the Premier League in 2020-21 during his debut season at the club.

In May 2023, he was suspended by the English Football Association (FA) from all football related activity for eight months after being charged with a total of 262 breaches of the governing body's betting regulations. His ban was eventually eased after he was diagnosed as a gambling addict.