Ivan Toney was one of the brightest Premier League strikers following his impressive stint with Brentford. While he was increasingly tipped to join one of the Premier League heavyweights in the summer of 2024, England international would rather choose to join Saudi side Al-Ahli in a £40 million deal back then.
Much to everyone’s expectations, Toney has hit the ground running for Al-Ahli, and he is already their most important player. This season alone, he has been prolific with 11 goals across all competitions, which has already led to speculation over a return to the Premier League.
Tottenham were linked with a move for Toney, with the feeling that Thomas Frank makes the North Londoners favourites to land the English striker. Spurs are facing a dilemma over their attacking options as the manager may seek fresh reinforcements in January.
For starters, key striker Dominic Solanke has a nagging ankle issue that continued to keep him out of contention, while loanee Randal Kolo Muani has suffered a fractured jaw. Hence, Frank could grow over-reliant on Richarlison to lead the line, while Mathys Tel is not seen as a good fit in the No.9 role, even though the Frenchman can play there.
There are fresh assessments on Richarlison’s future at Tottenham amid links from many clubs within England and abroad. Hence, there is a distinct chance for Frank to seek a new striker, as he views Toney as someone who knows the ins and outs of his system.
Despite the rumours linking the £40 million striker from Saudi club back to England and specifically Tottenham, Al-Ahli director Rui Pedro Braz has dismissed speculation over the striker’s exit. His comments that appeared on Goal indicate the club are not even thinking about Toney’s immediate future.
Pedro Braz said, “Ivan Toney is a top player, a top striker. The rumours around his possible exit in January are not based on reality. It’s just not true. We’re counting on him; it makes zero sense to address this subject in November.”
It is only logical for Al-Ahli to stand their ground with regards to Toney’s immediate future. The realistic view would not permit Tottenham to afford the English striker from the Saudi club in the current scheme of things. Tottenham may have the big funds to bring in the right reinforcements, but the idea of signing Toney would stem from the need to sign someone to deliver immediately.
Toney is on large wages, which could prove prohibitive for Tottenham to match what Al-Ahli are forking out on a weekly basis. Hence, while the idea of signing the Englishman in this team under Frank may have some tactical logic to it, the financial reality of making the move are against the North Londoners.
