Ivan Toney Reflects on Success in Saudi Arabia and Future Aspirations

omidbasir- In the summer of 2024, Ivan Toney made a significant career move by accepting a lucrative offer from Al-Ahli, resulting in a transfer valued at £40 million ($55 million). This decision prompted speculation regarding whether Toney was jeopardizing his ambitions with the England national team by departing from the familiarity of English football.

Now 29 years old, Toney expresses no regrets about leaving England behind. His performance in Saudi Arabia has been impressive, rivaling that of football superstar Cristiano Ronaldo, who is the only player to have outscored Toney in the 2024-25 season.

When asked by Sky Sports about the possibility of returning to the Premier League, Toney stated, “Never say never. I have goals I want to achieve here first, as the club has signed me for a long period. I want to repay their faith and bring trophies. In football, and life, you never know what’s around the corner. Who knows what the next step is?”

Toney also emphasized his comfort in his current environment, remarking, “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.”

His last appearance for the England national team was in June 2025, when he came off the bench during a friendly against Senegal. Toney could potentially be considered for the upcoming World Cup in North America, where he acknowledged the significance of such an opportunity: “It would mean a lot to go to the World Cup. I have never played at a World Cup; it would be a dream. If we were to win it, that would be monumental for the country.”

Regarding the potential challenges of playing in heat, Toney noted, “While there are many great players in the squad, I may have an advantage due to my experience in hot conditions. You have to adjust your game to be more strategic, but I’ve played in temperatures exceeding 30 degrees, so I feel well-prepared.”

He affirmed his commitment to scoring goals as a means to secure his place on the national team: “All I can do is keep scoring goals. That gives me the best chance possible. I feel much fitter, and my statistics reflect that. I am working harder and supporting those around me. Yes, I’m on a big salary, but I still aim to achieve great things.”

Last season, Toney netted 30 goals, including 23 in the Saudi Pro League, and he has already tallied 28 goals this term. While Harry Kane remains the primary option for the No. 9 role at the 2026 World Cup, there are discussions about including additional strikers, with Toney among the candidates alongside Ollie Watkins, Dominic Solanke, Danny Welbeck, and Dominic Calvert-Lewin.