Ivan Toney’s football journey has rarely followed a straight line, and as the January 2026 transfer window approaches, the England striker’s next move is at the center of a Premier League tug-of-war. From his prolific spell at Brentford to a high-profile switch to Al Ahli in Saudi Arabia, Toney’s career has seen both dazzling highs and challenging crossroads. Now, with England’s World Cup campaign on the horizon, Toney is angling for a return to the English top flight—a move that could reshape both his international prospects and the ambitions of several Premier League clubs.
Toney’s record in the Saudi Pro League has been nothing short of remarkable. Since joining Al Ahli, he’s racked up an eye-popping 38 goals in 54 games, helping his side clinch the AFC Champions League title in the 2024/25 season. Yet, despite this success, Toney’s visibility on the international stage has taken a hit. Since his move to the Middle East, he’s been called up to the England squad just once, a stark contrast to the attention he commanded while banging in goals for Brentford. The message is clear: scoring in Saudi Arabia is one thing, but proving yourself in the Premier League is still the gold standard for England selection.
“Toney’s aspiration is to play in the World Cup,” journalist Ben Jacobs told talkSPORT, echoing the striker’s own determination to force his way back into the national team. Jacobs pointed out that the Saudi Pro League’s unique calendar—including a Ramadan break from February to mid-March and a festive period hiatus—could make a half-season loan feasible. “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,” Jacobs observed. However, he cautioned, “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.”
Despite Al Ahli’s reluctance, Premier League clubs are circling, with Aston Villa, Tottenham Hotspur, and Chelsea all linked to the England striker. Each club’s interest is driven by immediate needs and long-term ambitions, setting the stage for a high-stakes transfer saga.
Aston Villa’s situation is particularly urgent. With Ollie Watkins sidelined by injury during England’s match against Wales and Jhon Duran sold to Al Nassr, Villa’s forward line is looking threadbare. Unai Emery, Villa’s manager, is keenly aware that his side needs reinforcements to maintain momentum in a demanding season. Toney, with his proven goal-scoring pedigree and hunger to return to the Premier League, is seen as the ideal solution. A loan move in January could suit all parties: Toney gets the visibility and competitive edge he needs to impress England manager Thomas Tuchel, Villa plug a critical gap up front, and Al Ahli retain the option of welcoming back a sharper, more experienced striker after the loan spell.
“Adding Toney to Aston Villa’s lineup would create essential competition for Watkins,” reads one analysis. Historically, Watkins has struggled when faced with direct competition; previous signings like Danny Ings and Jhon Duran didn’t quite light a fire under the England forward. Toney’s arrival could change that dynamic, potentially pushing both players to new heights and giving Villa a more robust attacking threat as they chase European qualification.
But Villa aren’t the only club in the hunt. Tottenham Hotspur have also set their sights on Toney as they look to build on last season’s Europa League success. Under new manager Thomas Frank—who shares a strong relationship with Toney from their Brentford days—Spurs are flying high, just two points behind league leaders Arsenal. Yet, up front, doubts linger. Richarlison has been inconsistent, and Dominic Solanke is still recovering from an ankle injury. Frank has reportedly reached out to Toney personally, hoping to lure him to North London. The catch? Toney’s high wages could prove a stumbling block, especially as Chelsea have entered the fray with a bold offer to cover his full salary for the remainder of the season.
Chelsea’s interest is both strategic and urgent. The Blues are reportedly preparing an official loan bid with an option to make the deal permanent in the summer. Their willingness to shoulder Toney’s full salary could tip the scales in their favor, especially given Al Ahli’s reluctance to part with their star striker permanently. For Tottenham, this development is a blow, even with fresh financial backing from the Lewis family. If Spurs are serious about closing the gap to Arsenal and competing on multiple fronts, they may need to up their game—both on the pitch and at the negotiating table.
“Ivan Toney would represent a significant upgrade,” one report asserts, highlighting his Premier League experience, clinical finishing, and consistency—qualities both Spurs and Chelsea desperately need as they chase Champions League football. For Tottenham, landing Toney could be the final piece in the puzzle, turning them from contenders into genuine title challengers. For Chelsea, it’s a chance to inject proven firepower into a squad that has sometimes lacked cutting edge in attack.
Of course, the January transfer window is notorious for its unpredictability. Negotiations are often fraught, with player ambitions, club finances, and timing all playing a part. In Toney’s case, the situation is further complicated by Al Ahli’s new sporting director, who is determined to keep the striker in Saudi Arabia. “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,” Jacobs reiterated.
Amid all the speculation, Toney’s determination stands out. He knows that a successful return to the Premier League could be the ticket to the World Cup, and he’s reportedly willing to push for a move if it means reigniting his England career. For Villa, Spurs, and Chelsea, the chance to sign a striker of Toney’s caliber—one with a record of 38 goals in 54 games, a Champions League medal, and a point to prove—doesn’t come around often.
As the transfer window draws near, all eyes are on Ivan Toney. Will he return to the Premier League and stake his claim for a World Cup spot? Can Aston Villa, Tottenham, or Chelsea pull off the deal that could transform their season? The next few weeks promise plenty of drama, and whatever the outcome, Toney’s next move will be one of the most closely watched stories of the winter.
For now, the striker’s future hangs in the balance—poised between Saudi success, Premier League opportunity, and the tantalizing prospect of representing England on football’s biggest stage.
