Thomas Frank has personally reached out to Al-Ahli striker Ivan Toney over a potential January move to Tottenham
Thomas Frank would be delighted with the start he has enjoyed at Tottenham Hotspur. After a recent run of frustrating results, his team bounced back to winning ways at the weekend with a 2-1 win over Leeds United at Elland Road.
Mohammed Kudus has proven to be Spurs’ best summer signing thus far. He broke his Tottenham duck in the win at Leeds United, while fellow summer signing Xavi Simons enjoyed his best game in a Spurs shirt. There is plenty of areas of to improve if Thomas Frank’s side are to realistically compete in all competitions.
The north Londoners have had problems scoring goals, especially in the injury absences of Dominic Solanke and Randal Kolo Muani. Richarlison has done well under Thomas Frank but he is injury prone and has a habit of going missing in games. As such, it is believed that Frank is already looking at possible ways to improve his squad in the January transfer window.
Tottenham boss directly contacts Ivan Toney over January move
According to transfer insider Indy Kaila on X, Frank has personally contacted Al-Ahli striker Ivan Toney regarding a potential move to Tottenham in January. However, it would not be straightforward to land him as Chelsea are interested in the player as well.
Ivan Toney spent four seasons with Brentford and played a crucial role in their promotion to the Premier League four years ago. The centre-forward joined Al-Ahli from Brentford in the summer of 2024 and flourished in his debut season in the Saudi Pro League, netting 30 goals in 44 appearances in all competitions. He has begun the new campaign well with eight goals and an assist in 10 outings.
Recently, talkSPORT chief correspondent Alex Crook claimed Tottenham would become immediate challengers for the Champions League spots if they can sign Toney in January. However, he suggested that a move would be tricky due to the 29-year-old’s current high wages at Al-Ahli.
What should be Tottenham’s play?
It would be fair to suggest Tottenham need a reliable striker to lead the attack for Frank’s side. Solanke is currently on the sidelines following a minor ankle surgery, while Kolo Muani has barely played after joining on loan from PSG in the summer. Richarlison’s game is chaotic, complemented by pressing intensity, work rate positional disrupting ability, which Frank truly admires. However, the Brazilian just cannot be relied upon because of fitness issues and chronic inconsistency.
Toney, in that regard, would be an upgrade on Richarlison. The England international did well in the Premier League for Brentford before leaving for Saudi Pro League last year. He can score all kinds of goals, while his proficiency from the penalty spot can be matched by only few in the world.
The 29-year-old’s high wages at Al-Ahli is expected to stand as a big obstacle for Tottenham to sign him in 2026. If Toney can sacrifice a large chunk of those wages and pushes for a move back to the Premier League in January, Spurs would get a boost to reunite Frank with his former protégé.
