Leeds target gives reasons why he’s ‘even more ready’ for Premier League
Brentford striker Ivan Toney is eager to prove that he can play in the Premier League amid links to several top-flight clubs.
The 25-year-old is enjoying a stellar first season for Brentford. He has already bagged 29 goals from 40 Championship appearances and helped the Bees to fourth in the standings. But, regardless of whether Thomas Frank’s side gain promotion to the Premier League, it seems likely Toney will be there in 2021-2022.
Many clubs have shown in interest. Arsenal, Leeds United and West Ham were all mentioned in connection with the striker last month.
And it was suggested that any interested suitor will need to fork out £30m for his signature this summer. That may have scared a few but the likes of Leicester City, Everton and West Ham have also been linked.
The Northampton-born ace was on the Newcastle United books between 2015 and 2018. But he made only four appearances and was loaned out to several clubs.
He spent time at Barnsley, Shrewsbury, Scunthorpe and Wigan Athletic before signing permanent terms with Peterborough in August 2018.
And it seems as though the temporary periods away from St James’ Park helped mould him into the player he has become.
“Physically and mentally, there were times when Newcastle first sent me out on loan, where I felt I was getting bullied,” he told the MailOnline. “I was used to Under-23s football, tiki-taka, but in the lower leagues, it’s about results and putting yourself about.
“So from that first loan at Barnsley, I thought I needed to get into the gym and get a bit stronger. I realised I can’t just be trying to play round people.
“You have to get stuck in in those leagues. There is nothing better than first-team football. You want to be getting a taste of it early so you know what you are stepping into.”
Toney feels top-flight move long overdue
There is no doubting the forward’s goalscoring ability. He has notched 121 from 312 appearances across his career to date.
The majority of his outings have been in League One. But this season has proved that stepping up to the second-tier is no problem.
A move to the elite of English football is now on the cards. And the former Northampton Town star is adamant that he has what it takes to succeed at the highest level.
“I’m 25 now and I’m hungry to get into the Premier League,” he added. “My stats speak for themselves.
“Even when I had low points out on loan when I was at Newcastle, I never thought the Premier League was an impossible dream.
“I was ready for it last season. Now I’m even more ready to prove what I can do.”
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