Ivan Toney has signed with Al Ahli for €40m, marking the end of his four-year stint with Brentford.
The 28-year-old striker joined Brentford from Peterborough United for an initial £5million in 2020.
## What happened?
Brentford's business model revolves around developing young players before selling them on at a significant profit.
Ivan Toney's move to Al Ahli is a prime example of this model, with the club making a substantial profit from his transfer.
The striker's goalscoring record for Brentford was impressive, with 72 goals in 141 appearances.
## Why it matters for Ivan Toney
Ivan Toney had always made clear his ambitions of playing for a 'top club' fighting for trophies.
However, his move to Al Ahli may not be the realization of this ambition, as the club is not competing at the top level of European football.
The transfer fee of €40m is significant, but it is lower than the £100m valuation of Ivan Toney just 12 months ago.
## What comes next?
Ivan Toney will now play in the Saudi Pro League, a different environment from the Premier League.
He will be expected to continue his goalscoring form, but the level of competition and scrutiny may be lower.
Brentford's head coach Thomas Frank described Ivan Toney as a club "legend" and one of the most important players in their history.
The striker's unorthodox penalty routine and exceptional record from the spot made him a fan favorite.
He scored 20 goals in 33 games in the 2022-23 season, helping Brentford secure a ninth-place finish.
Ivan Toney's move to Al Ahli may be seen as an anticlimactic end to his time at Brentford, but his legacy at the club remains intact.
The striker's goals and performances will be remembered by Brentford fans for years to come.
And his transfer to Al Ahli will be seen as a significant moment in his career, marking a new chapter for the 28-year-old.
But the question remains whether Ivan Toney will be able to replicate his form in the Saudi Pro League.
So the next few months will be crucial in determining the success of his transfer.
Ivan Toney's transfer to Al Ahli was completed on Friday, with the striker signing a contract with the Saudi Pro League side.
The transfer fee of €40m is a significant amount, and it will be interesting to see how Ivan Toney performs in his new environment.