‘We’ll find a replacement who’s just as good as Toney’
WHEN the circus comes to town in four months’ time, when clubs descend into a negotiating frenzy as they seek to win the signature of Brentford’s most targeted player, the little pocket of west London where the Bees reside will be where you can find peace. At least that is the assessment provided by Ivan Toney’s team-mate, Christian Norgaard, after their victory at Wolves. The 29-year-old Danish midfielder, who scored the opener, said: ‘Toney will be a massive loss, of course. But let’s see what happens in the summer. This club is also known for selling players then replacing them with top quality. ‘When Ollie Watkins left he was a top striker for us and we got Ivan Toney to replace him. It’s pretty obvious Toney will most likely leave in the summer which he also deserves. But I know this club is really good in the recruitment department so they will find a replacement who is just as good.’ Norgaard, who moved from Fiorentina in 2019 to join up with his former Denmark youth and Brondby head coach Frank in the Championship, has certainly witnessed the carousel at Brentford. He has seen Watkins go to Aston Villa, alongside other important players including David Raya to Arsenal, albeit temporarily for now, as well as Said Benrahma to West Ham. Each time Brentford have made an enormous profit on these deals. Watkins joined from Exeter City in 2017 for £1.8million and was sold for £33m. Raya came in from Blackburn Rovers for around £3m and the Spanish keeper is expected to sell for £30m this summer. Benrahma joined from Nice for £2.7m and left two years later for £30m. As for Toney, Brentford bought him from Peterborough in 2020 for £10m and have reportedly slapped a £100m price tag on the 27-year-old’s head. And Toney’s performance on Saturday showed why. Prior to their important win over Gary O’Neil’s side, Brentford had lost nine of their 11 previous games. They had become overly familiar with letting leads slip but it was a moment of calmness from their main man which ensured they won a vital three points ahead of a tricky run of games, including Liverpool at home and Manchester City
away. ‘Let’s enjoy him while we have him,’ Norgaard said. ‘There’s a reason he’s vice-captain because he gives so much to us on and off the pitch. He’s the funniest guy off the pitch — he’s always joking and loves the banter with everyone. ‘But don’t get fooled by that. When we’re on the pitch, there’s no bulls*** — there’s something of an “old-school” mentality about him and he’s a real joy to play with.’