Al-Ahli striker Ivan Toney urged to involve his agent to push for a move to Tottenham Hotspur in January
Ivan Toney has been urged to take matters into his own hands in order to join Tottenham Hotspur in the January transfer window.
The former Brentford striker has been away from the Premier League since the summer of 2024, and he racked up a stunning 30 goals in all competitions for Al-Ahli in the last campaign.
The 29-year-old worked under Thomas Frank for four years during their time together at the Gtech Community Stadium, and he could now be about to take his own action to reunite with his old boss.
Tottenham’s hopes of signing Toney have been dashed recently, with the news that Al-Ahli are not willing to allow him to leave this winter.
The Saudi Pro League side paid £40 million for his services in 2024, and they are understandably reluctant to let their star striker depart mid-season after he helped them win the AFC Champions League title.
However, sources close to the deal suggest that Toney could now push for a move himself, with his agent potentially getting involved to facilitate a return to England.
According to reports, a loan deal could be the only viable path for Toney to make the switch, as this would help him avoid a hefty tax bill that would come with terminating his lucrative Saudi contract early.
Former Spurs scout Bryan King exclusively spoke about the situation with Tottenham News. He stated (h/t Tottenham News):
“If there’s going to be a choice for Toney, then it’s a no-contest; he will go to Tottenham.”
“If I were him, I’d be looking to get out of Saudi Arabia in January, especially if a permanent move is possible. He and his agents should be demanding it. He could always go back to Saudi Arabia if necessary after the World Cup.“
“I would certainly say that if he wants to play in the World Cup, then he’s got to be playing regularly in the Premier League.“
The frontman realistically needs to return to the Premier League to have any chance of making Thomas Tuchel’s squad for the World Cup next summer.
Toney was left out of England’s latest squad announced last week, with Harry Kane being the only out-and-out striker selected by the German boss.
Why Toney fits Tottenham’s needs
Toney is the perfect successor to Harry Kane, but Tuchel probably feels that he cannot select him because of where he is playing his club football.
As a result, if Tottenham could seal a move for him in January, it would be no surprise to see Toney involved in at least the warm-up games ahead of the tournament, with the door potentially open for him to make the final squad.
A move for Toney would be a huge boost for Tottenham, and it would also potentially create a welcome solution for Tuchel in his planning for next summer’s tournament.
The German has a wealth of quality attacking options at his disposal, but he is lacking an in-form alternative to Harry Kane, who could be introduced off the bench.
Meanwhile, Spurs have been struggling for goals this season, with centre-back Micky van de Ven currently being their top scorer. Dominic Solanke has been sidelined with an ankle injury, while Randal Kolo Muani is yet to find the net since his loan move from Paris Saint-Germain. Brazilian forward Richarlison has also struggled for form this campaign.
With Frank already having held direct talks with Toney about a potential reunion, and the striker’s desire to return to England for World Cup reasons, all signs point to a January move being possible, but only if Toney and his representatives push hard enough to make it happen.
