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 offers in favour of staying in Saudi Arabia.
Over 18 months on from his shock £40m move from Brentford to Al Ahli in August 2024, Toney revealed that despite having the opportunity to leave the club and rejoin a Premier League side, he’s enjoying life in Saudi.
Toney finished second to just Cristiano Ronaldo in the race for the Saudi Pro League golden boot last season as Al Ahli won the Asian Champions League, before lifting the Saudi Super Cup in August. The 29-year-old netted 30 times across all competitions in his debut season in Saudi Arabia.
“Never say never,” Toney told Sky Sports News when quizzed on a potential return to England.
“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.”
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Watch every angle of Toney’s dramatic last-gasp penalty for Al-Ahli which secured their Saudi Pro League win over Al-Taawoun
Having just represented England at the Euros, Toney’s move to Saudi Arabia was met with some criticism, with suggestions that in making the transfer, he reduced his Three Lions prospects.
Toney’s only appearance under England boss Thomas Tuchel was a two-minute cameo against Senegal in June 2025. The striker has failed to earn a call-up in the three camps since.
However, Toney still has hopes of being recalled ahead of this summer’s World Cup that will take place across the United States, Canada and Mexico, believing he has a lot to offer Tuchel’s side.
Toney scored 30 goals across all competitions in his first season at Al Ahli
“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.
“Maybe [I could bring an advantage due to the heat]. There are great players in the squad and some top English strikers, so I guess everyone will have an opportunity, as everyone will be able to adapt to the heat, but you can say I’m a bit more used to it than others. It’s tough because you have to change your game slightly.
“You can’t be running around crazy because otherwise you run out of steam. You have to be more strategic with the runs you make.
“I guess I won’t have to adapt. I’ve played in 30-plus degrees here, and I feel like I’m adapted to it.
Toney last represented England in their friendly 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 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.”
