Ivan Toney is being linked with a potential return to the Premier League on loan in January.
The Al-Ahli forward has impressed since leaving Brentford for the Saudi Pro League, scoring 38 goals in 54 games and winning the AFC Champions League in 2024/25.
However, Toney’s move to the Middle East has impacted his England hopes with the 29-year-old included in just one squad since his exit from the Premier League.
Toney is determined to make the England squad for this summer’s World Cup, and journalist Ben Jacobs believes a Premier League move could benefit his chances.
Speaking to talkSPORT, he suggested the Saudi Pro League calendar and January interest from England could facilitate his return. However, he insisted Toney will need to push for the move.
“Toney’s aspiration is to play in the World Cup. Plus the fact the way the calendar falls, there’s a Ramadan break and that is in the months, at the moment, of February through to mid-March.
“There’s also a break for the festive period as well, so it wouldn’t actually be a bad idea for players that want to stay sharp, to do a half-season loan, and then maybe even go back to Saudi Arabia.
“So I think there’ll be interest in Ivan Toney. Al Ahli sources say they don’t want to sell, there’s a brand new sporting director there and he doesn’t want to let Ivan Toney go.
“And then as far as Premier League interest, I think we’ve heard links with Tottenham due to the Thomas Frank connection.
“I’m not aware of any Spurs approach at this stage, some have even said Manchester United, and again, I think Manchester United are banking on Benjamin Sesko and they’ve also got Matheus Cunha, who can play at No.9.
“But if Joshua Zirkzee left, you never know, another striker could come in at Old Trafford but at the moment, it’s all quiet as far as a Premier League return is concerned.
“And again, even if there is interest, Toney would have to agitate for the move with his World Cup chances in mind, because Al Ahli don’t want to let him go.”
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