Ivan Toney's debut Premier League campaign gave Newcastle United's former-chiefs a stark reminder of the player they let slip through their fingers. The takeover at St James' Park means those who made the call to let Toney leave the club are no longer around, with Rafa Benitez also out of the picture.
However, the 26-year-old's remarkable ascent up the football league is a stark reminder of one of the former ownership's greatest failures. The Brentford striker scored 12 goals from 33 games in the league last season and is attracting interest from Manchester United, Leeds United and Eddie Howe's Magpies.
The Bees have set an asking price of £40million for the striker, an incredible 66 times the amount they sold him for back in 2018. Of course, there's the argument that Toney would not be the player he is today, had he not made the move away from St. James' Park, but the signs were there for Newcastle.
READ MORE: 'Honesty from me', Eddie Howe clears up Dwight Gayle's situation with Newcastle United
When he arrived at the club in 2015, making the reported £300,000 switch from Northampton, Toney said: "I'm happy to be here and very excited. The players here are a great standard and I can't wait to get going and show what I'm all about.
"Being a young lad who is scoring goals in the Football League was a great thing. Now I want to progress here and eventually do it in the Premier League."
It's that pledge he made when arriving at St James' Park, that is coming to fruition today. Toney found it tough to break into the first-team during his time on Tyneside, with the Magpies fighting for Premier League survival most seasons, with opportunities few and far between.
However, after a solid display on his debut against Chelsea, more opportunities seemed a given after also impressing for the U21's. Toney told the Chronicle: “I want to be involved in every game, no matter who it is. The manager picks me and I will do my job. If you’re picked you just do your best.
“It wasn’t a typical week! I was delighted to make my debut and get on the score sheet in the Under-21s. Against Chelsea I was just thinking to play my own game. Obviously it’s at the highest level. You just have to play your own game and be confident.
“I was just running around and trying to be a nuisance at the top of the field. At that time of the game it was more of a defending than attacking role. I put my body about and hopefully I will be in the squad again on Saturday.”
Toney was sent on loan six times in three seasons as a Newcastle player, and although his goal return didn't set the world alight, warning signs were there. An impressive 49 goals in 94 appearances for Peterborough saw Thomas Frank's side come calling.
He breezed through the Championship with 31 appearances in 41 games and has made the step up to the Premier League look a breeze in a Brentford side that defied all expectation last season.
READ NEXT
Hugo Ekitike agent breaks silence as he thanks him for 'never doubting' him after Newcastle snub
Newcastle hope on 'couple' of transfers, Sven Botman class and new captaincy hint - 5 things
Amanda Staveley reveals what she wants as part of 'new rules' for Newcastle at St James' Park
Newcastle owners' new addition knows Daniel Levy's Spurs secrets
Amanda Staveley reveals Newcastle's global plan as she prepares to tell 'exciting story' to world
