Brentford play-off failure gives Celtic major boost in Ivan Toney transfer race

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Brentford’s failure to win promotion to the Premier League last night might have a direct impact on Celtic’s attempts to bring in Ivan Toney from Peterborough United this summer.

Brentford lost 2-1 to Fulham after extra time of the Championship play-off final yesterday meaning they will be playing in the Championship again next season. The result, reportedly worth £160 million to the winners, could also cost Brentford in the transfer market. 

The Bees are perhaps Celtic’s biggest rivals in the hunt for the 24-goal Posh striker this summer. 

Celtic are still said to be keen on the player, but a report from the Scottish Sun last month suggested they would struggle to pay the apparent £11 million valuation.

The Glasgow Herald and Times reported yesterday that were Brentford to win promotion to the English top-flight, they would bump Celtic off the top of Toney’s transfer wishlist. 

Instead, he would want a chance to play for Brentford in the Premier League, leaving Celtic looking for other striking solutions. 

So it would seem that Celtic will remain the goal-machine’s first-choice option for this summer. Indeed, the Daily Record is reporting that is the case. 

However, there is one potential negative to take from this development. Brentford will no be struggling to keep star striker Ollie Watkins and toney might be viewed as a perfect replacement, potentially causing a more concerted effort from the West London side to secure Toney’s signature. 

But Celtic will no doubt consider Brentford’s inability to offer Premier League football, and money, to Toney as a major boost to their own transfer hopes this summer.