Ivan Toney left Brentford to join Saudi Pro League side Al-Ahli last year. He has been scoring for fun in the Middle East, but a chance to play for England in the World Cup has prompted his desire to return to the Premier League.
The former Brentford striker is keen to return to England and play in the Premier League to ensure that he makes the England squad for the 2026 World Cup, set to be held in North America.
Toney is aware that scoring goals in Saudi Arabia is unlikely to be enough to convince England boss Thomas Tuchel to pick him in the Three Lions squad, as he has several top-quality forwards to pick from.
Premier League clubs are on high alert, as the 29-year-old was considered one of the top strikers in England when he left for Saudi Arabia, and several teams are keeping a close eye on Toney ahead of the winter transfer window.
Premier League manager reacts to Ivan Toney links
Everton are in desperate need of a striker, and the club are prepared to move on Beto if they can secure a top-class forward in the winter transfer window.
David Moyes is said to be keen to take Toney to the Hill Dickinson Stadium to solve his striker woes, and is considering making a move for him in January.
However, the Everton boss conceded that if the former Brentford striker wants to return to England, every Premier League club will be keen to sign him.
He did indicate that he needs an experienced striker who can deliver results now, rather than in the future.
“I’m sure Ivan Toney would get linked with about 20 clubs, never mind our club, because he’s such a good player”, Moyes told Sky Sports News.
“You’re saying he’s hoping to go to the World Cup with England, so if that’s the case, he’s playing at a really high level.
“We’ve got what we’ve got just now, and we want to develop them and make them better. But also, we need results.”
Leeds must not be a bystander if Toney wants to return
Toney could be a game-changer for Leeds if they manage to convince him to return to Elland Road in the winter window.
Leeds need a more clinical striker as they have created enough chances to be higher up the table, but they have lacked the ruthlessness in front of goal.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin has provided a good physical outlet for the team up front, but the former Everton striker has been wasteful inside the penalty box.
Toney is a deadly finisher, and he will take Leeds to the next level if the Whites somehow manage to beat several Premier League clubs to his signing.
His record in the Premier League speaks for itself, and Toney’s desperation to play in the World Cup would perfectly suit Leeds’ need to stay in the Premier League.
It would be a difficult deal to pull off financially, and the striker may have to take a pay cut or Al-Ahli would have to subsidise a lion’s share of his wages.
However, Leeds must at least try to gauge if they can sign Toney in January if he is serious about returning to the Premier League for the second half of the season.
What fucking shit is this, on one hand we are told we are skint and on the other hand we should sign Ivan Toney. WTF.