Ivan Toney insists the standard is high in the Saudi Pro League, after Bruno Fernandes rejected a move to Al Hilal.
The Manchester United captain turned down an eye-watering £700,000-per-week move to the Saudi Arabian outfit, citing how he wanted to remain at the highest level of football as his main reason for staying.
Ivan Toney has defended the Saudi Pro League after Fernandes’ snubGettyFernandes had appeared destined for the Old Trafford exit door, with the Middle Eastern side prepared to shell out £100million to sign him.
However, the 30-year-old ultimately opted against the move, later revealing his preference to continue playing in a top European league.
Discussing his choice, he said: “I want to maintain myself at the highest level, playing in the big competitions, and I feel capable of it.”
And while Fernandes’ decision to turn down the lucrative offer may have seemed football-motivated, England striker Toney has stressed there is plenty of quality in the Saudi top flight.
The 29-year-old joined Saudi side Al Ahli from Brentford in a £40m deal last summer, with many believing the move would spell the end of his international career.
But after scoring 30 goals this season and helping his side to AFC Champions League glory, Toney has earned a recall to the Three Lions’ squad for their upcoming internationals.
Speaking to talkSPORT ahead of England‘s World Cup qualifier against Andorra, live on talkSPORT, the frontman was asked for his thoughts on Fernandes’ comments.
On the Portuguese snubbing a move to the Saudi top-flight, he said: “Well, that’s his decision, he maybe thinks differently to me.
“He obviously hasn’t seen the league, I respect his decision. And I can’t say much more than that. It’s up to him.”
Toney then insisted that the Saudi league would command greater respect from fans and players if they tuned in to watch matches, claiming the standard of football is highly competitive.
Fernandes turned down a move to Al Hilal after delivering 19 goals and 19 assists for Man United last seasonGetty GettyToney scored 23 goals in the Saudi Pro League last term, just two behind top scorer Cristiano Ronaldo[/caption]When asked about the league, he replied: “The standard’s high, I always say this.
“People always judge it on not seeing it. And you have to see it first-hand to have your own opinion.
“And, if people went there and went and watched some games, they’d soon realise.
“But yeah, I know the standard. I know it’s a good standard. You would never knock it once you’ve been there. And yeah, it is tough.”
With Toney revealing his plans to continue plying his trade at the Riyadh outfit next term, he admitted he was not concerned by how this could potential affect his chances of making England’s squad for the 2026 World Cup.
When asked if he had any worries about the consequences of this, he said: “No, I think positive.
Toney has played six times for England, scoring onceGetty“I just focus on myself. If it [playing in Saudi] affects it, it affects it. I can’t stop that, I’m a player that plays in Saudi.
“If that’s a problem to people, then so be it. But I’m a Saudi player and I just have to focus on playing football.”
And while Fernandes may not be on his way out of Man United, Toney did offer his thoughts on a player who could be joining the club.
His ex-Brentford teammate Bryan Mbeumo looks increasingly likely to head to Old Trafford this summer, who are believed to be prepared to meet his huge £250,000-per-week wage demands.
The Cameroon international took over from Toney as the Bees’ main goalscoring outlet, netting 20 Premier League goals last term.
And the Englishman admitted Mbeumo is more than good enough to join a big-name club.
Ivan Toney and Bryan Mbeumo played alongside each other at Brentford for four yearsGettyHe said of Mbeumo: “He scores goals, he knows where to put the ball for other players. He’s got a similar penalty technique [to me].
“He is a top, top player and he deserves to play for top, top clubs.”
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