Huge Ivan Toney transfer update emerges at Tottenham
John Wenham, a prominent figure in the Tottenham Hotspur community and the owner of the reputable Spurs podcast Lilywhite Rose, has expressed his satisfaction that Tottenham Hotspur are not pursuing a deal for Brentford striker Ivan Toney. According to Wenham, the 28-year-old forward does not meet the standards required to strengthen the Spurs squad.
Reports from Football London on June 24th indicated that Tottenham are unlikely to make a move for Toney as they are focusing on younger options for the number nine position. Wenham, speaking exclusively to Tottenham News, welcomed this development. “I have had reservations about Tottenham pursuing a deal for Toney,” Wenham stated. “He is not a player that I am looking for the club to sign. Brentford were waiting patiently for him to come back, and he scored just four league goals between January and May. It’s just not enough of an output. I don’t think he’s better than Richarlison and I therefore don’t think he is an improvement on what we have already got.”
Ivan Toney, once considered one of the most promising strikers in the Premier League, has seen his stock decline in recent months. His goal-scoring form has not been consistent, and this has diminished the fervor surrounding his potential transfer. Tottenham supporters might be relieved to know that the club is not actively seeking to acquire Toney, as they aim to bring in a younger talent for the striker position. Manager Ange Postecoglou is likely to benefit from signing a younger number nine, ensuring a longer-term solution for the team’s attacking options.
In other news, former Newcastle United loanee Nabil Bentaleb is contemplating retirement as he recovers from a cardiac arrest. The 29-year-old midfielder, currently playing for Lille, suffered a heart scare ten days ago during a five-a-side game with friends. The quick response of those around him, performing CPR and using a defibrillator, saved his life. Bentaleb underwent successful surgery the following day to fit a pacemaker.
Bentaleb’s move to Lille last summer was almost jeopardized by the discovery of asymptomatic myocarditis, an inflammation of the heart muscle. Despite this, he went on to make 36 appearances across all competitions for Les Dogues last season. Following his recent health scare, an official statement from Lille urged for privacy during this life-changing period, and retirement is now a serious consideration for Bentaleb.
“Nabil Bentaleb fell ill on Tuesday evening and was immediately taken into care and sent to the University Hospital in Lille to receive treatment,” read the statement. “We call on everyone to respect the player’s private life.”
Bentaleb, who played 15 times for Newcastle United after joining on loan in January 2020, saw his stint impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic, which led to most of his appearances being played behind closed doors. The Algerian international has earned 52 caps for his country and returned to Lille, his birthplace, after a stint abroad. His recent health issues have brought his football career into question, with his future now uncertain as he focuses on recovery.