The Premier League icon firmly believed that the England international could have injected a lethal edge into Manchester United‘s attack. United boss Erik ten Hag hasn’t been idle this summer, sealing deals for defensive stalwarts Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui, alongside young prospect Leny Yoro, who is currently sidelined through injury, reports the Mirror.
He also bolstered his attacking ranks with the acquisition of forward Joshua Zirkzee in a hefty £36.5m agreement while securing the signature of Manuel Ugarte for £42.5m. Despite these signings, Shearer lambasted United’s modest return of just two goals from their first two league fixtures and expressed surprise at the club’s snub of Toney, especially given his diminished price tag. Touting Toney as a top-tier talent, Shearer heavily praised the virtues of the England striker during a chat with Betfair.
“I like Ivan Toney – he’s an excellent player, obviously, he knows the Premier League, he knows what it’s about and he’s proven at that level. He’s an England international too,” the Newcastle icon said. “He only has one year left on his contract, and I understand why some players would want to go to Saudi Arabia, but for someone like him who’s in the prime of his career, he’s got another four or five years ahead of him. I think he has a lot to offer.”
The departure of the 28-year-old to Saudi Arabia stunned the football world where he’ll reportedly earn a salary of £16m-a-year, putting an end to the rumours linking the striker to the likes of top Premier League clubs such as Arsenal, Tottenham, and Chelsea.
Toney is joining an impressive group of former Prem players at Al-Ahi, including Roberto Firmino, Riyad Mahrez and ex-Chelsea stopper Edouard Mendy at his new club. Shear
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