Ivan Toney could be about to take matters into his own hands in order to join Tottenham in the January transfer window.
The former Brentford striker has been away from the Premier League since the summer of 2024, and he notched a stunning 30 goals in all competitions for Al-Ahli last term.
Toney has been heavily linked with a move to Tottenham this winter, as he bids to salvage his World Cup hopes, but that idea has now been called into question by talkSPORT’s Alex Crook.
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.
Ivan Toney transfer race is ‘no-contest’ in reality
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.
MORE SPURS STORIES
The frontman realistically needs to return to the Premier League in order to have any chance of making Thomas Tuchel’s squad for the World Cup, but it doesn’t look as though his current club will grant him that opportunity.
The interest from Frank and Co. is matched by the likes of Everton and West Ham, and it has become clear that there are no shortage of suitors who are willing to facilitate a return for Toney.
However, ex-Spurs scout Bryan King – speaking exclusively to Tottenham News – believes that the race for his signature would be a “no-contest” if the door to a deal was opened, and feels that Toney is likely to push to join Frank’s squad.
“If there’s going to be a choice for Toney, then it’s a no-contest; he will go to Tottenham,” King said.
“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.”
Tottenham can solve Thomas Tuchel issue with Ivan Toney deal
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 from the bench during games.
Ollie Watkins is struggling badly for confidence at Aston Villa, while the likes of Jarrod Bowen and Marcus Rashford aren’t natural fits in a central role.
Toney is the perfect understudy to the former Spurs hero, but Tuchel probably feels that he cannot select him out of principle 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.