Al Ahli striker and England World Cup hopeful Ivan Toney has refused to rule out a return to the Premier League after turning down January provides in favour of staying in Saudi Arabia.
Over 18 months on from his shock £40m transfer from Brentford to Al Ahli in August 2024, Toney revealed that regardless of having the chance to go away the membership and rejoin a Premier League aspect, he is having fun with life in Saudi.
Toney completed second to only Cristiano Ronaldo within the race for the Saudi Professional League golden boot final season as Al Ahli gained the Asian Champions League, earlier than lifting the Saudi Tremendous Cup in August. The 29-year-old netted 30 occasions throughout all competitions in his debut season in Saudi Arabia.
“Never say never,” Toney instructed Sky Sports activities Information when quizzed on a possible return to England.
“I’ve objectives I wish to obtain right here first, the membership have signed me for an extended time frame.
“I wish to repay them and produce trophies. In soccer and life, you by no means know what’s across the nook. Who is aware of what the subsequent step is?
“I’m comfortable here and like being here. I’m doing well, my numbers speak for themselves and I’m settled. I’m enjoying my football and don’t see why I’d leave to go back to where I was.”
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Watch each angle of Toney’s dramatic last-gasp penalty for Al-Ahli which secured their Saudi Professional League win over Al-Taawoun
Having simply represented England on the Euros, Toney’s transfer to Saudi Arabia was met with some criticism, with strategies that in making the switch, he diminished his Three Lions prospects.
Toney’s solely look beneath England boss Thomas Tuchel was a two-minute cameo towards Senegal in June 2025. The striker has did not earn a call-up within the three camps since.
Nevertheless, Toney nonetheless has hopes of being recalled forward of this summer time’s World Cup that can happen throughout the United States, Canada and Mexico, believing he has so much to supply Tuchel’s aspect.
Toney scored 30 objectives throughout all competitions in his first season at Al Ahli
“It would mean a lot [to go to the World Cup],” Toney mentioned.
“I have never played at a World Cup. It would be a dream; everyone dreams of that.
“If we have been to win it, that may be so huge for the nation. You’ve visions of what may occur. If it comes true, it might be a blessing.
Toney final represented England of their pleasant defeat by Senegal in June
“All I can do is keep scoring goals. That gives me the best chance possible,” Toney added.
“It could be my last chance. It’s [about] whatever is best for the country; the coach will pick the team and you have to respect that.
“I really feel a lot fitter and the stats converse for themselves. My working stats are additionally excessive.
“I don’t want to just sit back and relax; I am working harder and my stats show it. I am helping those around me. He would be getting a goalscorer who is hungry to play.
“Sure, I am on an enormous wage, however I nonetheless wish to be doing effectively, it isn’t the time to be sitting again to calm down. I wish to try to obtain huge issues.”
