Ivan Toney has been one of Brentford’s key players during the 2020/2021 season and his goals have been hugely important in Brentford’s promotion push. Despite only being there for a season, speculation has recently increased regarding his long-term future. Does he have what it takes to be a successful Premier League player?
How important is he for Brentford?
During the 2020 summer transfer window, Brentford sold Ollie Watkins to Aston Villa and many of their fans were concerned about the lack of a top goalscorer going into the new season. The form of Toney quickly alleviated these concerns. As of the middle of April, he has scored 29 goals in his first 43 appearances for the club across all competitions, while also having 10 assists to his name.
Clearly, Toney is Brentford’s most important player from a goalscoring perspective. He is the only member of the squad to reach double figures. Perhaps due to their lack of other goalscorers, Brentford might miss out on promotion again. Finishing in the top two seems unrealistic, which means another go at the play-offs. After the heartbreak they suffered last season, fans will be wary of going through that route once again, but the English Championship odds put Brentford at 5/4 to get promoted so the bookmakers are clearly confident in them.
Toney becoming a Premier League player with Brentford
Should Brentford get promoted, Ivan Toney might stay at Brentford and look to Jamie Vardy for inspiration. Vardy played a part in his Leicester side getting promoted in 2014 and has gone onto become something of a Premier League icon.
Toney’s total of 29 goals so far is already far higher than Vardy’s best season in the Championship. The Leicester forward scored 16 Championship goals during 2013/2014 and has gone onto score over 100 Premier League goals since his team were promoted. He even won the Premier League Golden Boot in 2020.
The future of Toney if Brentford fail to get promoted
If Brentford fail to get promoted, you’d have to wonder if Brentford can keep hold of Toney. The forward could well have admirers in the Premier League and going off the transfer fee for Watkins last summer, a club could get hold of him for around £35 million.
Toney has already proven he can make a step up from a lower league. His performances for Peterborough in League One earned him a move to Brentford. He managed 49 goals in 94 appearances during his time at the Weston Homes Stadium. Could he make another step up in 2021? The forward has certainly improved since the earlier days of his career when his goal return was inconsistent.
A player which has recently moved from the Championship to the Premier League
Ben Godfrey moved from Norwich to Everton last summer. This marked the end of a remarkable climb up the leagues. Godfrey had previously been at York City in League Two. Everton manager Carlo Ancelotti has praised the defender on several occasions this season and he has become a key part of an improving Everton side.
There’s clear precedent for Championship players succeeding in the top-flight. Whatever happens with Brentford, Toney might have a very good Premier League career ahead of him.
