Tottenham miss out on long-term target Brentford star Ivan Toney to Saudi Arabian club Al Ahli

With some astute signings done this transfer window, Tottenham Hotspur have reinforced their squad for the 2024/25 campaign. However, there are still a couple of players whose future are up in the air at the club, chiefly Sergio Reguilon and Giovani Lo Celso.

Amid the potential departures of Reguilon and Lo Celso, Tottenham still remain in the market for last-minute surprises before the transfer window slams shut. The north Londoners continue to be linked with players heading into the transfer deadline.

Sky Sports reporter Michael Bridge has provided us with an update on what he knows about Spurs’ incomings on the deadline day. While a last-minute transfer can never be ruled out, Daniel Levy and Co. are expected to remain inactive as Spurs are unlikely to sign any players on August 30.

Amid the ongoing speculation about ins and outs, Tottenham look like missing one of their long-term targets to Saudi Arabia. According to transfer news expert Fabrizio Romano, Saudi Pro League club Al Ahli have agreed a €42m deal with Brentford for Ivan Toney.

-> Tottenham Hotspur confirmed signings, transfers in, out, loan exits, releases for 2024/25

Ivan Toney’s future at Brentford has been the subject of uncertainty since the end of last season. The 28-year-old has been a consistent goalscorer for Brentford in the Premier League, and given his hold-up play, physicality, link up and aerial prowess, Spurs were among the elite English sides to have registered an interest in signing him earlier this summer.

The Englishman has served Brentford well since arriving from Peterborough United in 2020, bagging 72 goals and registering 23 assists in 141 appearances in total so far. Toney is now in his prime with valuable top-flight experience under his belt.

Tottenham’s interest in Toney would have stemmed from their need for a reliable goalscorer to fill the Harry Kane-shaped void in Ange Postecoglou’s side. The England international, having entered the final year of his contract (Transfermarkt), has always been eager to leave Brentford’s Community Stadium, and a move to Big Ange’s club could have offered him the chance to continue playing Premier League football.

Spurs might just have been the perfect stage for the striker to showcase his talents on an even bigger stage. He’d have also got the chance to play in Europe whilst being part of Big Ange’s booming project at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

However, Tottenham’s interest in the Brentford star may have been part of a strategic move to lure top striker target Dominic Solanke from Bournemouth earlier this month. In terms of profile and style of play, Solanke fits Ange Postecoglou’s system like a glove more than Toney would have.

-> Tottenham’s 5 best PL opening day wins

All in all, the Lilywhites should not be repenting missing out on Toney to Saudi Arabia as we’ve got an extremely hungry striker in Solanke in the squad waiting to explode.