TalkSPORT correspondent gives reasons why signing Al-Ahli star Ivan Toney would not be straightforward for Tottenham
Thomas Frank has enjoyed a strong start to life at Tottenham Hotspur, winning five of seven games in all competitions. It was very important to get such a beginning for a new boss, and the Dane should be delighted with the small steps of progress his squad have made.
Spurs backed Thomas Frank well in the summer transfer window, signing as many as seven players. It was not a smooth transfer window by any means, though, as the north Londoners missed out on several targets. Among some were players Frank coached at his former club Brentford.
Christian Norgaard, former Brentford skipper, was wanted by Frank in the summer. However, Arsenal beat Tottenham to the defensive midfielder’s signature in July. The Tottenham boss was also keen to reunite with Bryan Mbeumo, who enjoyed a stunning 2024/25 campaign with the Bees with 20 goals and seven assists. Regardless of the Danish tactician wanting him, Mbeumo had his heart set on a move to Manchester United and he eventually got his ‘childhood dream’ fulfilled in July.
In the last week of the summer window, the Tottenham gaffer wanted to sign Nathan Collins from Brentford. Once again, it was rejection but not from the player. The Bees were reluctant to let their new skipper Collins depart so late in the transfer window after losing three first-team starters in the summer.
Ivan Toney signing would be difficult for Tottenham
Despite several heartbreaks, Frank remains keen on reuniting with one of his former proteges in 2026. According to talkSPORT’s chief correspondent Alex Crook, Tottenham might be interested in signing Al-Ahli striker Ivan Toney but a significant issue could prove to be a stumbling block.
Ivan Toney spent four seasons with Brentford and played a crucial role in their promotion to the Premier League four years ago. The striker performed well in the Premier League, scoring 36 goals in 83 appearances, before leaving for Saudi Pro League club Al-Ahli in the summer of 2024.
The England international enjoyed a strong debut season in Saudi Arabia, bagging 30 goals in 44 appearances in all competitions. Toney has started the 2025/26 season very well with eight goals in nine appearances. Premier League-proven and in his absolute prime, he would immediately improve the current Tottenham squad.
Alex Crook feels a signing Toney in January would make Spurs challengers for the Champions League places, although a move would not be straightforward due to the 29-year-old’s current high wages at Al-Ahli.
“I think that would be difficult because he’s earning so much money in the Saudi Pro League,” Crook explained on the Premier League’s All Access podcast.
“But that for me would be a game changer and would turn Tottenham from a team, who I don’t think are top four contenders at this moment in time, to a team that could well challenge for the Champions League.”
Tottenham must show ambition in the January window
Toney is earning a staggering €490,577 gross per week, excluding bonuses, at Al-Ahli. Those are exorbitant wages and a club like Tottenham would not be able to match it. The Lilywhites have been maintaining a strict wage policy for many years now, and post-Daniel Levy era, we don’t feel the wage structure changing either.
For a move to happen, Toney must accept a significant wage cut. He’d be a quality addition to Tottenham’s attacking ranks, an upgrade on both Richarlison and Dominic Solanke. The ex-Brentford star having worked with Frank before and knowing his system would be a big plus.
A move for Toney would not be just about depth, it is about ensuring the quality in the squad remains intact. Mohammed Kudus and Xavi Simons would bring dynamism and flair, but without a reliable presence up top, the Lilywhites may struggle to turn losses into draws and draws into wins when games will start coming thick and fast from the New Year.
