Tottenham Hotspur eye January swoop for Al-Ahli striker Ivan Toney
English striker Ivan Toney was heavily linked with a move to Tottenham Hotspur in the summer but a move didn’t materialise. However, he left Brentford to join Saudi Arabia side Al-Ahli.
The 28-year-old has not enjoyed a great start to life in Saudi Arabia. He has netted six goals and supplied three assists in 15 games across all competitions for Al-Ahli, playing with ex-Premier League stars Riyad Mahrez and Roberto Firmino. However, only three months into his Saudi adventure, he is considering returning to England.
According to a report from Spanish outlet Fichajes, Tottenham are set to battle London rivals Chelsea for the signing of Ivan Toney.
Spurs broke their club-record transfer to sign Dominic Solanke from Bournemouth in the summer transfer window, and while he has done well, he has not got enough rest due to injury problems to Son Heung-min and Richarlison. Given the hectic schedule clubs have to negotiate in the next couple of months, it becomes imperative for the Lilywhites to bring in a quality back-up for Solanke in the 2025 transfer intervals.
Someone like Toney would be ideal for Ange Postecoglou’s Spurs. Premier League proven and at the peak of his powers, the Englishman will add a different dimension to the Tottenham attack. He is excellent at hold-up play and an asset in the box from set-piece plays.
However, the aforementioned report adds Tottenham could face a couple of obstacles while landing the ex-Brentford star. Having signed a lucrative contract with Al-Ahli, Toney currently earns €490,577 per week and that would be difficult for the North London club to match.
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Secondly, the Saudi club perhaps will not allow him to leave on a cheap and ask for a substantial transfer fee in January, which Daniel Levy might be hesitant to pay after spending heavily on Solanke.
While interest in Toney is apparent, Levy and Co. have to negotiate extremely well with Al-Ahli if they plan to bring him in. Plus, Big Ange will also need to define the former Peterborough man’s role at the club, as he will not be keen to act as a back-up to Solanke at Tottenham.
