Tottenham Hotspur target Ivan Toney is happy at Al Ahli and not planning to push for a January move
Tottenham Hotspur were dumped out of Carabao Cup in midweek by holders Newcastle United, and if there was one clear takeaway from the game, it was that Thomas Frank is in dire need of a striker.
Richarlison once again failed to make an impact, having gone off the boil after starting the season in a promising fashion. In Dominic Solanke’s injury absence, the Brazilian international has failed to spearhead the Spurs attack effectively. Moreover, he has reportedly given the green light to leave N17 and return to Brazil next year amid interest from Flamengo.
Solanke, meanwhile, has had recurrent ankle issues since the turn of the year. He has barely played this season and underwent a minor ankle surgery at the start of October. Thomas Frank cannot trust on the England international to keep himself fit and has been seemingly scouring the market for a new No.9.
Tottenham target Ivan Toney makes decision on his future at Al Ahli
As per recent reports, Tottenham have shown an interest in signing Al Ahli striker Ivan Toney. Thomas Frank is also keen on reuniting with the England international, and has not ruled out the prospect of the club signing the striker.
Ivan Toney spent four seasons with Brentford and played a crucial role in their promotion to the Premier League four years ago. He 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 11 goals and two assists in 15 outings.
TalkSPORT chief correspondent Alex Crook claimed Tottenham would become immediate challengers for the Champions League spots if they can sign Toney in January. However, the Lilywhites’ chances of signing the 29-year-old has now been rated by Football Insider correspondent Pete O’Rourke. He says Toney is happy in the Middle East and Al Ahli have no real desire to let their star striker leave in January.
“I think Toney is quite happy with life out there as well in the Middle East. He’s been a big success for Al-Ahli, 40 goals and eight assists in 58 appearances, that’s pretty good going by anybody’s standards,” Pete O’Rourke told Football Insider.
“Al-Ahli have no real desire to let their top goalscorer leave in January as well as they want to try and win the Saudi Pro League title. It looks a difficult deal to do for so many reasons.
“It looks a difficult deal to do for so many reasons. Al-Ahli don’t really want to lose Toney and Toney’s not pushing for a move just yet either, despite maybe hoping to boost his chances of being in that England squad for next summer’s World Cup.”
O’Rourke feels Toney would be a good fit at Tottenham, but a move might be facilitated if one of their current options end up leaving in the winter transfer window.
“Tottenham would be a good fit because of the Thomas Frank situation with Ivan Toney, but you’ve got to remember Tottenham have got a lot of attacking options in that team as well,” he added.
“Solanke out injured at the minute, they’ll be hoping they can get him back. Kolo Muani’s just returned from injury as well and then they’ve got Richarlison and Mathys Tel as well.
“They are quite well stocked in that area of the team. If maybe one of those players was to leave in January, then that might increase the likelihood of Tottenham bringing in a new striker in January.”
Spurs must still push for Toney
A tally of just four Premier League goals between strikers Richarlison, Tel, Solanke and Kolo Muani represents a significant Achilles heel that needs to be rectified if Spurs are to bolster their hopes of finishing in the top four. As a result, a move to sign Toney could prove to be the ideal solution.
At 29, Toney is in his prime and banging goals left, right and centre. He could come in at Tottenham and make a serious impact. The Englishman would be a big upgrade in terms of options what Frank currently has at his disposal. If Richarlison, Solanke and Kolo Muani are unable to solve the goalscoring conundrum, it should lead Tottenham to push for Toney’s signature in January.
