Ivan Toney is reportedly considering a return to the Premier League with the 29-year-old striker lighting up the Saudi Arabian league with Al-Ahli. Since his move to the Middle East 15 months ago, Toney has been in scintillating form, scoring 41 goals and providing eight assists in 59 appearances.
His impressive performances have not gone unnoticed, with several top-flight English clubs reportedly making enquiries about a potential January transfer. Among those said to be interested are Everton and Tottenham.
Interestingly, Manchester United had previously shown interest in Toney before his move to Saudi Arabia. After his standout performances for England at Euro 2024, the Red Devils saw him as a potential addition to bolster their attacking options.
However, despite their interest, a deal never materialised and Joshua Zirkzee was brought in instead. Now, with summer signing Benjamin Sesko struggling to find the back of the net, having scored just twice in 12 appearances since his £73.7million move from RB Leipzig and a potential injury absence coming up, United could once again be in the market for a proven goal scorer like Toney.
Toney found the back of the net 36 times across 83 Premier League outings for Brentford prior to his £40m switch to Al-Ahli in 2024. His finest Premier League season came during the 2022/23 campaign when he bagged 20 goals in 33 appearances, trailing only Manchester City sensation Erling Haaland (36) and Tottenham striker Harry Kane (30) in the scoring charts.
Speaking about his decision to leave Brentford for the Saudi Pro League in December 2024, Toney revealed: “I came here and the training ground was good, the stadium was nice and the quality in the team was good also. People look at this league differently, but I stepped into it knowing it’s still a high standard.
“I wanted something a bit different. It’s a different culture, but I can blend in anywhere. I’ve been at Peterborough, Brentford, now out of the UK. I’m excited to be on this journey.
“I believe it’s the right move at this stage of my career.”
After an outstanding maiden campaign at Al-Ahli, netting 30 goals in 44 matches, Toney secured his England recall during the summer.
The call-up marked his first international recognition since Thomas Tuchel took over from Southgate as England’s new boss at the beginning of 2025.
Despite managing only two minutes in a 3-1 friendly loss to Senegal, the pathway remains open for Toney to secure his World Cup berth next summer.
Nevertheless, a Premier League return might prove essential for achieving his international ambitions.