Ivan Toney speaks up on Brentford future before impending return to football

Before his comeback to football after a ban, Ivan Toney has stated he is prepared to assist Brentford in moving away from a relegation struggle.

The striker was given an eight-month suspension in May 2023 for breaking betting laws, although he has since been strongly linked to transfers to Chelsea and Arsenal in London. Brentford has been unwavering in their belief that selling Toney would need an enormous sum of money.

When the Bees host Nottingham Forest at the Gtech Community Stadium three days later, on January 17, Toney’s suspension will end and he will be eligible for selection again. Near the close of the 2022–2023 season, he scored his final goal in this match. 

After dropping their past eight Premier League games, Brentford has been unable to get going in Toney’s absence and has been forced into a relegation war. Away at the Africa Cup of Nations, Yoane Wissa is alongside fellow strikers Bryan Mbeumo and Kevin Schade due to long-term ailments.

Speaking about his gratitude for Brentford and his excitement at the chance to keep the team from going down, Toney hinted that he could be sticking around for the remainder of the season in an interview with Sky Sports.

“The club was right behind me from the first bit. The fans were behind me, which was a massive part,” Toney said. “Even when I wasn’t at their games, they were singing my name. And I got loads of messages on social media. A friend of mine sent me a video of the fans singing my name, I got goosebumps to know that they’re still behind me, even though I’m not there.

“Everyone knows Brentford is a family club, they have been nothing but amazing for me. I can’t thank them enough, especially the fans. They were behind me from the first minute as well. So it’s kind of like I have a lot to repay.

“With Brentford, they’re struggling at the moment but I’m sure when I’m back I will play a big part to get them out of the losing form they’ve been in. I can’t wait to get back and be helping my teammates.”

“Everybody at Brentford knows I will do my best to try and get the club out of the sticky patch we’re in. But there’s no pressure and even if there was, I wouldn’t feel it and that’s what drives me forward. Brentford, we’ve been here before and we know how to get out of it.”