Brentford Eyeing Daka Amidst Toney Transfer Speculations
The Toney Conundrum: A Premier League Tug of War
Brentford’s chief goalscorer, Ivan Toney, is finding himself amidst a whirlwind of Premier League interest. With speculation rife around his probable move this coming January, giants like Tottenham and Manchester United have expressed their keenness, and whispers of Chelsea’s interest are also circulating.
Patson Daka’s trajectory in the English top flight remains intriguing. Despite being an undoubted talent, the Zambian international has found himself sidelined at Leicester, having clocked a mere 26 minutes this season. With just a smidgen of pitch-time under his belt, Daka’s unrest is palpable, making a January move highly likely.
While Leicester managed to retain Daka last summer, even when Bournemouth came knocking, the dynamics this winter might be different. Football Transfers has been informed that Bournemouth’s interest hasn’t waned, especially considering their willingness to adjust their attacking options.
Daka, initially hailed as a prodigious signing, was brought on board by Leicester in 2021. Shelling out €30 million for his services from RB Salzburg, the Foxes aimed to inject fresh competition into their attacking lineup, challenging stalwarts like Kelechi Iheanacho and Jamie Vardy.
His record in the Austrian Bundesliga, where he netted a staggering 27 goals in 28 league matches and clinched both the top scorer and player of the season titles, showcased his potential. But, the transition to the Premier League hasn’t been as smooth as many anticipated. Struggles with form and limited game-time have marred his stint with Leicester.
Furthermore, the presence of a €7 million (£6m) release clause with his former club, RB Salzburg, adds another layer of complexity. This clause becomes active the next time Daka graces the pitch.
While Brentford and Bournemouth have shown strong Premier League interest, teams from other leagues are also in the mix. AC Milan, the Serie A behemoth, is reportedly prepared to table an offer of €17.5 million for the Zambian forward.
But Leicester’s valuation remains steadfast, placing a €29 million price tag on Daka, indicating their belief in his long-term value and potential.
A January to Anticipate
Brentford’s move for Daka, should it materialise, speaks volumes about their ambitions in the Premier League. With Ivan Toney’s future uncertain, ensuring a quality replacement showcases their intent to remain competitive and relevant.
