Ivan Toney is expected to leave Brentford in the summer and has been linked Manchester United, Chelsea and Arsenal

 

Ivan Toney could earn more than Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes, it has been claimed.

The England international is expected to leave Brentford this summer, with the likes of Arsenal, Chelsea, and United previously linked with a swoop. Since returning from a betting ban, the 28-year-old has netted four goals in 13 club appearances, having smashed 20 goals in the Premier League last season.

The former Newcastle star scored his first senior goal for England in March, converting a penalty in the 2-2 draw against Belgium. Despite Brentford sitting pretty in their fight to avoid relegation, he is still expected to part ways with the Bees at the end of the season.

United were keen on acquiring a new striker in January, but financial constraints hindered their plans. While Toney might be the perfect fit for manager Erik ten Hag, his purported demands could cause friction with top-earning Fernandes.

As per The Sun, Toney is reportedly demanding £250,000 per week, the equivalent of £13 million annually. This is said to be £10,000 per week more than Fernandes, a factor that could also potentially stand in the way of a new deal at Brentford for Toney. His current contract expires in the summer of 2025.

Such numbers could also put off Arsenal and Chelsea, who are both in the market for a new striker themselves. Like United, the London rivals were restricted by FFP constraints in the January window, and such high wages, coupled with a hefty transfer fee, could make interested clubs think twice about a summer move.

Fernandes may wear the captain’s armband at United, but he isn’t the highest earner at the club. It’s believed Casemiro is the club’s most costly player, with teammates Raphael Varane, Marcus Rashford, and Jadon Sancho, who’s currently on loan, all reportedly pocketing upwards of £300,000 weekly.

Mason Mount and Anthony Martial are also reportedly earning a hefty £250,000 a week, though Martial’s future at the club could be approaching an end as he is set to depart this summer.

Varane’s stay at Old Trafford is up in the air too, as contract talks haven’t taken place yet. Should both French players leave, it would slash United’s weekly wage bill.