Ivan Toney bids farewell to friends before moving to Saudi Arabia
- Ivan Toney has completed a transfer to Al Ahli in Saudi Arabia for £40 million, with a weekly wage of around £400,000.
- In his farewell speech, Toney invited friends and family to visit him, promising to cover their flight costs.
- Despite his move, England's interim manager Lee Carsley stated that Toney's international career is not necessarily over.
Ivan Toney recently bid farewell to his friends and family as he prepares to move to Al Ahli in Saudi Arabia. The striker's transfer comes after a summer filled with speculation regarding his future, as he was entering the final year of his contract with Brentford. Al Ahli secured his signature for a fee of £40 million and offered him a lucrative wage package of approximately £400,000 per week, positioning him among the highest-paid English footballers ever. In an emotional leaving speech, Toney expressed his gratitude to his loved ones and extended an invitation for them to visit him in Saudi Arabia. He reassured them that he would cover their flights, emphasizing the bond they share. Toney's move marks a significant transition in his career, especially as he has not played a competitive match since the Euro 2024 final in July, where he made a brief appearance. The change in Toney's club status has raised questions about his future with the England national team. Following Gareth Southgate's departure as manager, interim coach Lee Carsley has indicated that Toney's move does not necessarily end his international prospects. Carsley plans to monitor Toney's performance in the Saudi Pro League, suggesting that he may still have a chance to represent England in the future. Overall, Toney's transition to Saudi Arabia represents both a personal and professional milestone, as he embarks on a new chapter while maintaining connections with his past.