Ivan Toney has been out with a lengthy eight-month suspension having faced 262 breaches of FA rule E8. The England striker has missed some crucial games this season and his absence from the Brentford team hasn't got unnoticed. From what was an okay start to the season for the Bees has now turned into disaster, the side sit 16th four points off a competitive relegation zone. These horrific few weeks for Brentford emphasise the need for Toney to stay is West London as fans will fear without Toney's threat, the Bees may struggle to rekindle any kind of form. Toney is expected to return on the 17th of January However Brentford don't play until the 20th and amid rumours of Toney's departure from the club, Bees fans are left questioning will Toney stay or go?
Brentford's frontline is becoming more depleted by the minute, Bryan Mbeumo is out through injury, Kevin Schade is close to completing his recovery and now with players leaving for AFCON, the bees are left without Yohaan Wissa who is representing DR Congo. So, Toney returning to the starting eleven would be more than welcomed as Thomas Frank's men aim to find their feet again and start the new year on a high.
Toney scored 20 goals with 4 assists in the Premier League last season before he was handed his eight-month suspension. With figures like these it's not surprising the likes of Arsenal are interested in the talisman as they look to strengthen their side in a bid to challenge for the title. However, would this be a risk from the Gunners, Toney has been keeping fit and training with the Bees since September, but will he hit the ground running straight away? There is no doubt Toney is a natural prem proven goal scorer, but having not played a single minute in the league all season this must be a concern. So perhaps Brentford fans may be more optimistic about him staying since the Gtech is somewhere for him to regain his confidence amongst the support of the Bees community.
January is an important time of the year for all clubs, if Ivan Toney was to part ways with the West London side, they would prefer a deal to happen sooner rather than later so there will still be time to reinvest.
Toney was so significant to Brentford's ninth place finish last season, tactically he offers Thomas Frank a lot in the attacking third, his versatility and ability to create as well as scoring goals has been something the team have lacked this campaign. Brentford are in a massive spot of bother; they haven't been fortunate with injuries this season so if Toney were to leave this would be another blow to regaining some consistency. The bees would be left with the choice of Neal Maupay who has looked sharp at times throughout his loan spell but what he can provide level wise to the team is nowhere near to the standard Toney can.
Time is ticking and for Brentford to potentially lose such a gifted all rounded footballer this January will be devastating for their season. The Bees haven't been at the races at all, and fans won't help but feel if Toney was to leave, this lacklustre form may not get any better. Frank's men are winless in five and during these run of games have only scored four goals, which highlights why fans are crying out for Toney time as this isn't the same Brentford that stormed onto the Premier League scene with a bang!
So, the question remains will Toney stay or go?
Comments