Ivan Toney might head back to England as Thomas Frank and Tottenham Hotspur circle
Thomas Frank must be delighted with how Tottenham have started the new Premier League season. The Lilywhites are currently sitting third on the Premier League table, just two points behind league leaders Arsenal. They have also managed to extend their unbeaten run to seven games in all competitions, thanks to a crucial away win against Leeds United.
The clash at Elland Road was one for the highlight reels, as both Xavi Simons and Mohammed Kudus delivered their best performances yet in a Spurs shirt. Simons flourished in his more natural No.10 role, while Kudus stole the spotlight with a match-winning display by breaking his goal drought for the North London club and netting the decisive strike in the second half.
However, if Frank wants his side to remain competitive on all four fronts this season, reinforcements will be essential in the upcoming transfer window. One of the most pressing concerns is the No.9 position. Tottenham have struggled for goals this term, largely due to the fitness issues of Dominic Solanke and Randal Kolo Muani. Both strikers are still sidelined, leaving Richarlison under mounting pressure to lead the line on his own.
Tottenham face an uphill battle to sign Al Ahli striker Ivan Toney
Recent reports suggest Spurs are interested in signing Ivan Toney from Al Ahli in January. Thomas Frank has personally contacted the England international to lure him to N17 and bolster the Lilywhites’ attack for the second half of the season. However, the report also states that the prolific striker’s high wages are proving to be a stumbling block for a potential deal.
To make matters worse, Al Ahli have no intentions of losing their star player anytime soon midway through the season. As per Ben Jacobs (via talkSPORT),
“So, I think there’ll be interest in Ivan Toney. Al Ahli sources say they don’t want to sell; there’s a brand-new sporting director there and he doesn’t want to let Ivan Toney go. And then as far as Premier League interest, I think we’ve heard links with Tottenham due to the Thomas Frank connection. I’m not aware of any Spurs approach at this stage.”
According to Jacobs, Al Ahli’s new sporting director is unwilling to sanction even a loan move for Toney in January. The prolific striker has been in excellent form for the Saudi side, scoring eight goals and providing one assist in ten appearances so far this season. Given his influence, it’s unlikely the club would risk losing him midway through the campaign.
Tottenham need to find middle ground with Al Ahli for Ivan Toney
If Tottenham are serious about building on last season’s Europa League success, they must address their lack of depth up front. With Solanke still recovering from an ankle injury, it makes perfect sense for the Lilywhites to pursue a new striker in January. Relying solely on Richarlison for the remainder of the season is a risky gamble, considering his inconsistent form and recurring fitness concerns.
That’s why signing Ivan Toney should be a top priority for the North London club. With the World Cup on the horizon, the England international could benefit from a return to Premier League football, provided he is willing to lower his wages and push for the move himself.
Toney’s arrival would instantly bolster Tottenham’s attack for the remainder of the season. Having previously worked under Thomas Frank during their time together at Brentford, the striker already knows the manager’s system and expectations. A complete forward capable of scoring all types of goals, Toney would represent a significant upgrade on Richarlison in the No.9 role. And he could be the missing piece in Spurs’ pursuit of silverware this season.
