- 32 minutes ago
Why Ivan Toney's ban is TERRIBLE news for Chelsea
James Shearman
- Updated: 18 May 2023 18:15 BST
- 3 min read
Brentford striker Ivan Toney's eight-month ban from football is terrible news for Chelsea's transfer plans.
The 27-year-old was hit with the lengthy suspension – and a £50,000 fine – by the FA for 232 breaches of the English football governing body’s rules on gambling.
Toney had been linked with a move to Chelsea in the summer window but that is now unlikely as he will not play again until January of 2024.
READ: Who is Gift Orban? The Gent goal machine wanted by Man Utd and Chelsea
FootballTransfers reported last month that Toney was on the Blues' striker shortlist, with Napoli's Victor Osimhen no longer an option.
And the Bees forward would have been a perfect fit for the west London club, who now have one less option to fix their goalscoring problems.
That is, unless, Chelsea decide to sign the Englishman despite his ban, but that would almost guarantee an underwhelming start to the 2023-24 season - without him.
Brentford to open Toney contract talks
Brentford are planning to open contract talks with Toney at the end of the season, according to the Daily Mail.
Official: Brentford striker Ivan Toney has been suspended from all football and football-related activity with immediate effect for eight months. 🚨🔴
He has also been fined with £50,000 —and warned as to his future conduct for breaches of The FA’s Betting Rules. pic.twitter.com/ZtHBomVG3B— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) May 17, 2023
Owner Matthew Benham had expected to receive offers for the striker in the summer, but now realises that Premier league clubs will be put off by the eight-month ban.
Toney, who has a contract until the end of the 2024-25 season, is valued at £50 million.
Should he be tied down to a long-term deal in the coming months, his value could rise exponentially once he returns to the side next year.
