Ivan Toney has refused to shut the door on a future return to the Premier League, despite turning down January approaches to remain with Al Ahli and continuing to enjoy a prolific spell in Saudi Arabia.
Now more than 18 months on from his surprise £40m move from Brentford in August 2024, the England striker admits opportunities were there to head back to England. However, momentum on and off the pitch has convinced him to stay put for now.
Toney has wasted little time making his mark in the Middle East. He finished runner-up to Cristiano Ronaldo in the Saudi Pro League Golden Boot race last season, helped Al Ahli lift the Asian Champions League and added the Saudi Super Cup to his honours in August. Across all competitions, the 29-year-old struck 30 goals in a stunning debut campaign.
“Never say never,” Toney told Sky Sports News when asked about a Premier League return.
“I have goals I want to achieve here first, the club have signed me for a long period of time.
“I want to repay them and bring trophies. In football and life, you never know what’s around the corner. Who knows what the next 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.”
That decision to move to Saudi Arabia sparked debate over his England future, especially after he featured at the Euros.
Since then, his international involvement has been limited, with just a brief two-minute appearance under England boss Thomas Tuchel against Senegal in June 2025 and no call-ups in the three camps that followed.
Still, Toney remains determined to force his way back into contention ahead of this summer’s World Cup across the United States, Canada and Mexico, firmly believing his current form deserves recognition.
“It would mean a lot [to go to the World Cup],” Toney said.
“I have never played at a World Cup. It would be a dream; everyone dreams of that.
“If we were to win it, that would be so big for the country. You have visions of what could happen. If it comes true, it would be a blessing.
“All I can do is keep scoring goals. That gives me the best chance possible,” Toney continued.
“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 feel much fitter and the stats speak for themselves. My running stats are also high.
“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.
“Yes, I’m on a big salary, but I still want to be doing well, it’s not the time to be sitting back to relax. I want to try and achieve big things.”
For now, Toney’s focus remains firmly on delivering silverware in Saudi Arabia but as he admits himself, football has a habit of changing direction quickly.
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