Al Ahli report provides latest update on Ivan Toney’s potential move to Tottenham
Al Ahli unlikely to make Toney transfer to Tottenham straightforward
Al Ahli are expected to resist a move for Ivan Toney, despite Tottenham manager Thomas Frank’s interest in reuniting with the striker. The England international, who thrived under Frank at Brentford, has been linked with a return to the Premier League.
Tottenham’s attacking options have struggled this season. Richarlison has faced criticism, Dominic Solanke is sidelined with injury, and Mathys Tel and Randal Kolo Muani have failed to find the net consistently. As a result, the club is reportedly planning to bring in a striker during the January window.
TalkSPORT reports that Frank is “open” to signing the 29-year-old, while Toney himself could benefit from a Premier League return to boost his chances of featuring for England ahead of the World Cup, having been left out of Thomas Tuchel’s latest squad.
However, after scoring 41 goals across all competitions since joining Al Ahli two summers ago, the Saudi Pro League side are unlikely to let Toney leave easily. The former Brentford forward may therefore need to actively push for the transfer to make it happen.
A move long in the making
If Toney does eventually join Spurs, it would highlight what some see as 18 months of missed opportunity. As his Brentford career wound down, he had been heavily linked with Premier League moves. While a lucrative move to the Middle East held appeal, many felt a switch to the Premier League would have been a natural next step.
Spurs’ striking struggles this season
Forward Appearances (all comps) Goals (all comps)
Dominic Solanke 3 0
Richarlison 17 3
Mathys Tel 10 1
Randal Kolo Muani 7 0
Dane Scarlett 1 0
With Tottenham’s forwards struggling for goals, it may now seem that Frank should have pursued Toney as a replacement for Harry Kane instead of Solanke. While success isn’t guaranteed, bringing Toney to North London could prove a case of “better late than never,” giving Spurs a much-needed boost up front.
