Brentford’s shock decision to leave star striker Ivan Toney out of the lineup for their Premier League opener against Crystal Palace has fueled intense transfer speculation. Manager Thomas Frank confirmed that Toney’s omission was due to significant interest from Arsenal, Chelsea, and Saudi Arabia’s Al-Ahli.
Frank explained the tactical decision ahead of the match, citing ongoing transfer discussions. “There’s a lot of interest in Ivan, and with everything going on, we decided it was best to leave him out of the team,” Frank told Sky Sports. “Ivan’s a great player; he’s been unbelievable for us four years running, but we have shown we can live without him.”
Toney, who has made no secret of his desire for a new challenge, remains a key figure for Brentford.
However, with the club holding out for a record transfer fee, his future hangs in the balance. While Frank admitted that “no deal is close,” Toney’s exclusion from the squad suggests that a move could be imminent. “Of course, Ivan wants to play. He’s a competitor. But he understands the situation, and we’ve had open conversations about it,” Frank added.
Arsenal sees Toney as a crucial addition to bolster their attack, while Chelsea is keen to add depth to their forward line. Meanwhile, Al-Ahli is targeting Toney as part of the Saudi Pro League’s aggressive push to attract top European talent. Should Toney depart, Brentford may need to rely more heavily on Yoane Wissa to carry the weight in front of goal during crucial matches.
Despite Toney’s absence, Brentford managed a 2-1 victory, with Wissa delivering a match-winning performance. Frank praised Wissa’s contribution, emphasizing the importance of squad depth. “Every time Ivan hasn’t played, Wissa has stepped up, and today was no different. It’s a team effort, and we’re prepared for any scenario,” said Frank.
On the other side, Crystal Palace’s Marc Guéhi is also the subject of transfer speculation, with Newcastle United showing strong interest.
A reported £65 million bid for the England defender was rebuffed by Palace, but ongoing negotiations suggest his future remains uncertain. Club chairman Steve Parish confirmed the talks while commending Guéhi’s professionalism. “We’re always respectful when we receive bids, but Marc remains focused on Palace,” Parish told TalkSport.
As the transfer deadline looms, the futures of Ivan Toney and Marc Guéhi could significantly alter the seasons of both Brentford and Crystal Palace.
