EXCLUSIVE NEWS: “he’s the kind not player I want in my team, we must to everything to get him because he’s the future.” Liverpool are lining up a move for Brentford hitman — despite Mo Salah signing a new deal. The Reds want to freshen up their forward line and he has all the qualities they like…

“He’s the kind of player I want in my team. We must do everything to get him – he’s the future”: Liverpool Line Up Shock Move for Brentford Hitman Despite Mo Salah Signing New Deal

In what could be one of the most talked-about transfer stories of the season, Liverpool FC are reportedly eyeing a blockbuster move for Brentford’s talismanic striker, even after tying Mohamed Salah down to a new deal.

The identity of the player? None other than Ivan Toney, Brentford’s prolific and controversial frontman who has returned to form following a betting ban that temporarily stalled his rising career.

According to a highly-placed source within Liverpool’s recruitment department, the Anfield hierarchy have not only been monitoring Toney closely since his return to Premier League action, but a senior club figure has gone so far as to say, “He’s the kind of player I want in my team.

We must do everything to get him because he’s the future.” This bold declaration signals intent — and it hints at a summer saga that could redefine the next era of Liverpool’s attack.

A Strategic Evolution at Anfield

On the surface, it may seem puzzling that Liverpool are preparing to reinforce their forward line so aggressively, especially after Salah committed his future to the club.

The Egyptian superstar, long rumored to be courted by Saudi Pro League sides, has agreed to extend his stay until 2026, effectively killing off speculation about an imminent exit.

However, insiders at Melwood suggest that Jurgen Klopp — or more accurately, Liverpool’s transitional leadership post-Klopp — is planning an evolution rather than a revolution. While Salah remains a generational talent, the rest of Liverpool’s once-feared front three has already undergone major changes.

Sadio Mané is long gone. Roberto Firmino departed in 2023. Diogo Jota, Darwin Núñez, Luis Díaz and Cody Gakpo have come in — with mixed results.

The key issue? Consistency. Liverpool need a player who can deliver 15-20 goals per season, adapt to a pressing system, and offer both link-up play and aerial dominance. Enter Ivan Toney.

Why Toney?

At 28, Toney is entering what most strikers would consider their prime. Since Brentford’s promotion to the Premier League in 2021, the English striker has proven to be a menace to top-tier defenses.

In the 2022/23 season, he netted 20 goals in 33 games — outscoring the likes of Gabriel Jesus and Darwin Núñez. Only Erling Haaland and Harry Kane had more.

But it’s not just the numbers that make Toney a top target. Liverpool’s scouting reports emphasize several attributes:

• Physical Presence: At 6ft 2in, Toney brings an aerial threat Liverpool have lacked since the days of Christian Benteke — albeit with far more technical finesse.
• Penalty Precision: Toney is one of the most reliable penalty takers in world football, with a near-perfect conversion rate.
• Hold-up Play: He’s a master of linking midfield and attack, drawing defenders and creating space — a vital quality in Klopp’s 4-3-3 and gegenpress systems.
• Mentality: His resilience, returning strongly from adversity (including his high-profile ban), is seen as the kind of attitude Liverpool’s dressing room thrives on.

In an era where Liverpool are clearly building toward a younger, more adaptable squad, Toney seems like an ideal fit. As one source described him: “Toney plays like a Liverpool striker already. He just doesn’t wear the shirt yet.”

Salah’s New Deal: Insurance, Not Indulgence

Mohamed Salah’s new contract, rumored to be one of the most lucrative in Premier League history, should not be misread as a sign of long-term planning — rather, it’s strategic insurance.

The Reds know that Salah’s peak years are behind him, and while his impact remains immense (20+ goals again this season), the club must safeguard against over-reliance.

A top-four finish is no longer guaranteed. Liverpool are contending with a resurgent Arsenal, a dominant Manchester City, a steadily improving Spurs, and Chelsea’s youth revolution.

Klopp’s team has shown signs of fatigue, injury vulnerability, and a tactical staleness in attack.

Toney’s inclusion could breathe new life into a front line that too often feels one-dimensional without Salah firing on all cylinders.

In fact, some insiders argue that a Toney signing would allow Liverpool to rest Salah more often — preserving him for key fixtures and European nights, and prolonging his Anfield stay.

Behind the Scenes: Recruitment, Analytics, and the Toney Temptation

Liverpool’s data-driven recruitment model has evolved under Michael Edwards, Julian Ward, and now Jörg Schmadtke. Statistical modeling, AI-driven projections, and psychometric analysis all play a role.

Toney’s numbers aren’t just good — they’re elite when adjusted for Brentford’s xG (expected goals), possession metrics, and transition play.

Moreover, Klopp and his coaches have admired Toney’s ability to press intelligently. According to StatsBomb, Toney’s pressing success rate ranks in the 90th percentile among Premier League forwards.

He also averages more defensive actions per game than Darwin Núñez — a key consideration for Liverpool’s tactical balance.

Then there’s the financial side. While Brentford will undoubtedly demand a significant fee — possibly £60-70 million — the belief within Liverpool is that Toney offers a better cost-performance ratio than targets like Victor Osimhen (Napoli), Randal Kolo Muani (PSG), or João Félix (Atletico Madrid).

Crucially, Toney is also Premier League proven. Liverpool have been burned before by foreign imports who take time to adapt. Toney would be plug-and-play.

Competition Heats Up

Liverpool aren’t the only club circling. Arsenal, Chelsea, and Manchester United have all made inquiries in recent months.

Tottenham, still rebuilding post-Kane, are also reportedly interested. But what may give Liverpool the edge is a clear plan, a winning project, and Champions League football — should they qualify.

Sources close to Toney suggest he wants to play at the highest level — and that includes the UEFA Champions League and competing for titles.

While Brentford are stable under Thomas Frank, the lure of Anfield, the roar of the Kop, and the chance to learn from one of the best footballing systems in Europe could be too much to resist.

Brentford’s Stance: Not for Sale… But For the Right Price?

Publicly, Brentford maintain that Toney is not for sale. Thomas Frank recently said: “Ivan is crucial to us. He’s our leader, our goalscorer, and we believe in him.”

But privately, the club are preparing for life without their No. 17. They’ve scouted replacements and are aware that holding on to Toney beyond 2025 could see them lose leverage in negotiations.

With just over a year left on his contract and talks reportedly stalling, Brentford may have no choice but to consider serious offers this summer.

What This Means for Núñez, Gakpo, and Jota

A Toney arrival would naturally cast doubts over the futures of some existing Liverpool forwards.

Darwin Núñez, while exciting and hardworking, has yet to become the ruthless finisher the Reds hoped for. Gakpo has shown promise but lacks consistency, while Jota has struggled with injuries.

Sources suggest that Klopp (or his successor) envisions a front three where Toney acts as a central pivot, flanked by Salah and either Díaz or Gakpo.

Núñez could become a high-impact super-sub or, if a big offer arrives from Spain, could be allowed to leave.

It’s a balancing act. But Liverpool are no strangers to managing egos and reshuffling talent — it’s how they stayed at the top for so long.

Conclusion: A Statement of Intent

If Liverpool succeed in landing Ivan Toney, it won’t just be a transfer — it’ll be a statement. A declaration that the Reds are not content to rest on past glories.

A signal that even with Salah staying, the club is evolving. A move that would send shockwaves through the Premier League.

Toney has the qualities, the mindset, and the ambition to become a central figure in the next great Liverpool side.

And if those within Anfield get their way, he may just be walking out to You’ll Never Walk Alone sooner than we all expect.

The only question now: How far are Liverpool willing to go to get their man?