Ivan Toney is facing a massive financial crossroads as he weighs up a return to elite football, with the forward believed to be assessing his options as interest grows from Premier League clubs.
Tottenham Hotspur have been linked with Ivan Toney in recent months, with Spurs manager Thomas Frank refusing to downplay the speculation earlier this season.
The former Brentford man is currently playing in the Saudi Pro League, but with the 2026 World Cup finals on the horizon, there are whispers that he wants to return to regular football against elite opposition.
A move away from Saudi Arabia is far from straightforward for the 29-year-old, who is on £400,000 a week, and with Al-Ahli adamant that they will not sanction an easy exit for their star player.
Ivan Toney transfer would not be straightforward
The Sun now reports that if Toney is to return to the Premier League, he faces a £14 million dilemma as he attempts to rekindle his World Cup dream.
Toney’s £40 million switch from Brentford to Al-Ahli last year saw him sign a four-year contract worth £400,000 a week, which was tax-free.
But since he is a UK national, he is liable for back taxes to HMRC if he were to return to the country within two years, and as such, a move back to England will see Toney having to pay the tax due on 18 months of salary.
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The Englishman has interest from sides in the Premier League who are open to signing him in January, including Tottenham.
He has not received a call-up to the England squad since this summer, and it is clear he is down the pecking order in Tuchel’s England plans.
However, it is understood that the £14 million sum is what the former Brentford striker will have to sacrifice if he comes back to the Premier League this season.
The financial reality of Spurs signing Ivan Toney
This will be the only way for the Englishman to return to the league and secure consistent game time, improving his chances of receiving a World Cup call-up before the finals in 2026.
A move to Tottenham has been reported, but there is also interest from Everton and West Ham United, who are monitoring Toney’s situation.