'It's sad,' says Simon Jordan, disappointed Ivan Toney if Brentford striker swaps Premier League for Saudi Arabia
Ivan Toney is no Cristiano Ronaldo or Lionel Messi: he hasn't achieved enough to merit a costly transfer abroad.
That is the opinion of Simon Jordanwho has given his opinion on the Brentford striker's possible move to Saudi Arabia.
3
talkSPORT reported Earlier this month, Al-Ahli were looking to secure the services of the 28-year-old to link up with Roberto Firmino and Riyah Mahrez up front.
And we now understand that personal terms have been agreed, which would see the England international pocket £50m over three years.
Brentford and Al-Ahli are yet to reach an agreement, with the Bees still demanding a fee in the region of £50m for Toney, who has been omitted from their first two matchday squads.
Meanwhile, Chelsea remain interested in signing the former Newcastle striker, while Enzo Maresca is targeting a proven No.9.
And former Crystal Palace owner and talkSPORT presenter Jordan wants Toney to remain in England, despite the riches on offer in the Middle East.
Commenting on TonitoAs for the former player's potential earnings from the White and Jordan programme, he said: “If it's £50m, if he's there for three years, he'll probably get it tax-free if he stays there for the full three years.
“That's worth £80-85m if you don't pay tax on it. I think it's sad.”
“I think it's sad for him to have gotten himself into a situation where he's revered as one of the best strikers in competitive football.
“And now he's going to play in a non-competitive league.
“I understand that it's easy for me to spin it and say it, but there are certain things that are more valuable.
3
3
“He would still earn around £10m or £15m playing in English football if he were transferred elsewhere.
“I suspect the economics of the deal will benefit many people around him.”
Asked by co-presenter Jim White whether Toney would be foolish to turn down a contract worth more than £310,000 a week, Jordan replied: “It depends on what you want out of football.
“If you can earn £200,000 a week playing in the Premier League and have a meaningful football career and play for your country, it depends on how much you value it.
“If you don't value it that much and the only thing you care about in football is money, then go to Saudi Arabia and play in a non-competitive league.
“I don't care about the appeal of Cristiano Ronaldo, he had a stellar career in which he won everything, did everything, played for all the big teams and had every right to walk away and collect a pension.
“And the same with (Lionel) Messi (to the MLS), not with Ivan Toney, he hasn't done much.
“He's put himself in the position of being an England striker, money comes and goes, 'it's a short career', it can be a short career if you're earning £10m a year, which is what he would have been earning if he'd gone to another Premier League football club.”
JOIN THE DUGOUT
Have your say on all things talkSPORT by joining 'THE DUGOUT' – our new panel of listeners.
Our aim is to take a deeper look at your perspectives and make sure talkSPORT is the best it can be. Your voice matters and we want to hear it!
Present your innovative ideas and participate in fun locker room polls, surveys and debates.
Just by joining, you'll be entered into a draw to win one of four £50 Amazon vouchers, and you'll be entered into another draw for every survey you complete afterwards.
To join 'The DUGOUT' panel, please Click here.
