Tottenham, Everton, and even West Ham are all interested in signing Ivan Toney should he return to the Premier League. Toney, the 29-year-old England international striker, is generating significant buzz around a possible return to the Premier League in the January 2026 transfer window. After a successful stint in Saudi Arabia with Al-Ahli, Toney is reportedly eager to make the move back to England to boost his chances of earning a spot in Thomas Tuchel’s England squad for the 2026 World Cup.
It’s worth mentioning here that it feels as though England manager Thomas Tuchel has effectively lost interest in the striker since his departure to foreign lands. He moved to Al-Ahli on deadline day in August 2024 for a reported £40 million, where he’s thrived, scoring 41 goals in 59 games across all competitions. This includes 30 goals in his debut 2024/25 season, helping Al-Ahli win the AFC Champions League Elite and the Saudi Super Cup. He’s already added five goals in seven matches this season.
Whilst that’s all positive, Toney has expressed a desire for the “higher level of competitiveness” in the Premier League, where he believes he can regain his spot in the England setup after limited international minutes since his 2023 debut. A move to Spurs could indeed enhance his chances. The Sun says:
His £40million switch from Brentford to Al-Ahli last year saw Toney sign a four-year deal worth £400,000 a week TAX FREE.
But UK nationals are liable for back taxes to HMRC if they return to the country within two years.
A move back to England would see Toney having to cough up the tax due on 18 months’ salary.
This would equate to the hitman having to sacrifice some £14 million to get his career back on track. Additionally, there’s the fact that his current employer isn’t looking to sell.
Al-Ahli’s sporting director has dismissed January exit rumours as “not based on reality,” emphasising they’re “counting on him.” The club isn’t financially pressured to sell and views Toney as a key asset. It’s also conceivable that negotiations could involve swap deals or add-ons to sweeten the pot, given Toney’s high wages and Al-Ahli’s reluctance.
Richarlison, anyone?