Ivan Toney, the former Brentford forward, has emerged as a potential target for several Premier League clubs as the January transfer window approaches. Al Ahli’s Toney has found his way into the news again since his highly publicized transfer to Al Ahli in Saudi Arabia. He had a more than productive spell in the English top flight, netting 36 goals in 85 games. His impressive displays in the Middle East have sparked gossip of a potential move back to the Premier League.
In the summer of 2024, Toney completed a jaw-dropping £40 million move to Al Ahli. Since then he’s scored an incredible 41 goals in only 59 appearances. Toney is clearly attracted to the financial allure of earning big wages to play in Saudi Arabia. His yearning to come back to the Premier League is growing harder to resist. His deal with Al Ahli runs to 2028. This is to make a significant barrier for any club looking to re-import him to England.
Recent Developments and National Team Impact
Toney is considered a scoring powerhouse and he will not be available next month when England host Serbia and Albania. His exclusion borders incredulity. This absence does little to quell concern about his station on the USMNT as the World Cup draws ever closer. Toney will be 33 shortly after the World Cup. His fitness and general form should be a major factor in any international call-ups that come his way.
Toney was last seen for Thomas Tuchel’s Al Ahli in June. He was in action through a fiery Saudi Super Cup semi-final against Al Qadisiyah. His on-field performance still shows he is a game-changing playmaker. Going into a jam-packed fixture schedule then onto a World Cup could have a serious effect on his ability to perform at peak levels.
Financial Hurdles and Club Interest
The biggest challenge in getting Toney back to the Premier League is arguably all about money. His eye-watering wages in Saudi Arabia and his long-term contract make things tricky for clubs who might be interested. Nevertheless, his potential to fill in as Harry Kane’s understudy in the England team adds to his value, especially given that players like Jarrod Bowen, Marcus Rashford, and Jude Bellingham can operate in similar roles but do not fully replace Toney’s unique skill set.
A return to the English top flight would be the best thing for Toney. Besides, it would provide an enormous shot in the arm to whichever club is fortunate enough to land his services. He’s got pedigree – evidenced by his four-year tenure at Brentford. His recent success in Saudi Arabia only cements his reputation as a great forward who can change big matches.
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