Ivan Toney can boost his chances of England’s World Cup call-up by moving to the Premier League on loan.
That’s what The Pitch Prospect reporter Ben Jacobs says, although as things stand there is no serious interest in the former Brentford striker.
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Toney has scored 38 goals in 54 games for Saudi Arabian club Al Ahli since the start of last season.
He is believed to be happy with the club and recently claimed the Saudi Pro League was “on par” with the Premier League.
The quality of the Saudi top flight has been questioned despite an influx of stars who have followed the legendary Cristiano Ronaldo.
England coach Thomas Tuchel could overlook Toney in his 2026 World Cup squad in favor of those playing in Europe’s top leagues.
However, a loan move to the Premier League in the second half of the season could give him the opportunity to be considered for a place.
Speaking to The Pitch Prospect, Jacobs assessed Toney and his potential to fly to the US, Canada and Mexico.
“I think Ivan Toney speaks very positively about his time in Saudi Arabia,” he said.
“But what will be really interesting in the next few months is the question of whether Thomas Tuchel will definitely tell him: ‘Since you are in Saudi Arabia, you are further down the pecking order’?”
“And Toney’s goal is to play at the World Cup. Added to this is the fact that due to the timing there is a Ramadan break, currently in the months of February to mid-March.”
“There’s also a break because of the holidays, so it wouldn’t actually be a bad idea for players who want to stay fit to go on loan for half a season and then maybe even return to Saudi Arabia.”
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“So I think there will be interest in Ivan Toney. Al-Ahli sources say they don’t want to sell, there is a brand new sporting director and he doesn’t want to let Ivan Toney go.”
“And as far as interest in the Premier League goes, I think we heard about links to Tottenham because of the connection with Thomas Frank.
“I’m not aware of any approach from Spurs at this point, some have even said Manchester United, and I think Manchester United are betting on Benjamin Sesko and they also have Matheus Cunha who can play at number 9.”
“But if Joshua Zirkzee leaves you never know, another striker could come in at Old Trafford but at the moment everything is quiet as far as a return to the Premier League is concerned.”
“And even if there was interest, Toney would have to promote the move with a view to his World Cup chances, because Al Ahli don’t want to let him go.”
Paul Hawksbee asked: “And how would that affect the tax situation?”
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“Because we often hear about players having to stay for a certain period of time, would it be a problem if they were just loaned out but still under contract with a Saudi club, wouldn’t it?”
Jacobs said: “If it was a loan move back to the UK, even if he was with a Saudi club, he would spend too many days in the UK and there would be a tax issue.”
“But there can be workarounds, so if the player wants to go on loan and then return to Saudi Arabia, he could do what Jordan Henderson did.” [when he left Al Ettifaq for Ajax in 2024].
“And that means deferring their wages and then getting a higher wage when they return to Saudi Arabia.”
“So it’s one thing for lawyers and accountants, but it’s not a given that there are tax implications when it’s a loan.”
“But it is much more difficult if Toney specifically returns to the UK and not somewhere else in Europe.”
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Toney’s career in England so far
A series of excellent performances in front of goal for Brentford earned Toney his first England call-up in September 2022.
However, he had to wait until March of the following year to make his international debut in a 2-0 Euro 2024 qualifying win against Ukraine.
Toney played seven times for England and only started one of those games.
He was part of the Three Lions squad that reached the Euro 2024 final against Spain, where he came on as a late substitute.
Toney has made his one and only appearance under Tuchel – including in the 3-1 friendly defeat against Senegal in the summer.
But he was not part of the current squad that beat Wales 3-0 on Thursday night and next takes on Latvia live on The Pitch Prospect.