Thomas Frank is determined to keep Ivan Toney on the Brentford squad, despite reports that rival clubs such as Arsenal and Chelsea are interested in signing him in January. The manager recently claimed he wants Toney to continue with the team.
Thomas Frank on Ivan Toney
Thomas Frank, the manager of Brentford, really wants to hold on to Ivan Toney, even though big teams like Arsenal and Chelsea are interested in him.
Toney scored 20 goals for Brentford last season, which was the third-highest in the league after Erling Haaland and Harry Kane. However, he got in trouble in May and admitted to breaking 232 rules about betting set by the English Football Association. As a result, the 27-year-old can’t play for his team or the national team until January 16, 2024. Even though he couldn’t play the whole season, he was allowed to start training again in September. Despite not being on the field, some reports in the UK are saying he might leave Brentford for a lot of money when the transfer window opens next month.
The English player is almost done with his eight-month ban for breaking the Football Association’s gambling rules. He can be chosen to play when Brentford plays against Nottingham Forest in the Premier League on January 20.
“It’s very clear — I don’t want to let him go. I want to keep him as long as possible and I only have that in mind. My only focus is getting him ready for the game vs Nottingham Forest,” Thomas Frank said.
🚨⛔️ Brentford manager Thomas Frank on Ivan Toney: “It’s very clear — I don’t want to let him go”.
“I want to keep him as long as possible and I only have that in mind. My only focus is getting him ready for the game vs Nottingham Forest”. pic.twitter.com/iiRO4LM1mU
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) January 15, 2024
Brentford hasn’t been doing well without their main player, falling to 16th place in the rankings because many players are injured. They are just four points clear of the relegation zone. Their top scorer this season, Bryan Mbeumo, got injured in the ankle and needed an operation. Frank mentioned that Toney is eager to come back and assist the team.
