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Man Utd have Al-Ahli striker Ivan Toney and his replacement at Brentford, Igor Thiago, on their shortlist of centre-forward targets, according to journalist Ben Jacobs.
Speaking on The United Stand YouTube channel, the talkSPORT reporter said that the Red Devils are looking for Premier League proven players to challenge Benjamin Sesko for the no.9 spot:
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“Ivan Toney is a name that I’ve mentioned before, who Manchester United appreciate. Wage is partially an issue there because he’s earning well in Saudi Arabia. Let’s see what happens after the World Cup with Toney and if he is prepared to um leave Saudi Arabia because, despite rumours constantly that he wants out, I’ve always been told at a family level and a football level he’s quite happy there. He’s won the Asian Champions League in back-to-back seasons.”
“More of a starter rather than a squad player in Igor Thiago. There is some appreciation there, but it’s not like anything is moving at this stage. And I don’t know what any valuation or price tag or appetite to sell would be, given the season that he’s had. But there’s certainly names in the Premier League or with proven Premier League experience.”
Toney has continued to score goals in the Middle East
Many were surprised when the striker opted to leave Brentford for the Saudi Pro League in the summer of 2024, but he has had plenty of success over the last two years.
Toney has found the back of the net 72 times in 93 appearances, helping Al-Ahli to win two Asian Champions League titles (as Jacobs mentions) and the Saudi Super Cup. His efforts last season (when he scored 42 goals) were enough for England manager Thomas Tuchel to include him in his 26-man squad for the World Cup.
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Man Utd are not the only team interested in Thiago
After struggling with fitness in his first season at Brentford, the Brazilian has truly made his mark at the Gtech Community Stadium over the past twelve months. He scored 25 goals in all competitions (and 22 in the league) for the Bees last campaign.
It is not a surprise that United have taken an interest in Thiago, but other teams are keeping close tabs on him as well. It was reported in the Brazilian media last month that Chelsea, Atletico Madrid, AC Milan and Juventus also want the forward.
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