Ivan Toney’s Redemption Story: Premier League Return and Euro 2024 Dreams

Return to Professional Football
England striker Ivan Toney has made his return to professional football after serving an eight-month ban for betting offences, with his comeback match for Brentford against Nottingham Forest. The 27-year-old was even handed the captain’s armband for his Premier League return.
The Betting Ban Saga
Toney was suspended from football after admitting to 232 breaches of the Football Association’s betting rules, resulting in an eight-month ban and a £50,000 fine. The striker, who had scored 33% of Brentford’s Premier League goals last season, was forced to sit out until January 16, 2024.
Impact and Personal Journey
In a revealing interview, Toney admitted that he ‘fell out of love with football’ during his period of suspension, highlighting the personal challenges he faced during his time away from the game. However, he has since followed a carefully prepared plan to regain his match fitness, with his attitude being praised as ‘an example for a lot of people and footballers.’
Euro 2024 Aspirations
With Euro 2024 kicking off in June, Toney has five months to prove himself worthy of selection for the England squad. According to England manager Gareth Southgate, there is definitely still time for Toney to make the tournament squad. He will be competing for a spot as Harry Kane’s deputy alongside other strikers including Ollie Watkins, who has impressed with nine league goals and ten assists for Aston Villa this season, as well as Callum Wilson, Dominic Solanke, and Eddie Nketiah.
Transfer Speculation
While Toney was previously linked with moves to major clubs like Arsenal and Chelsea, the transfer landscape has shifted. Arsenal, in particular, has moved away from targeting experienced players like Toney, instead focusing on developing younger talent. Currently, the only club to have made a concrete move for Toney is Al Ahli of the Saudi Pro League, though this was not initially the level of competition the striker was hoping for.