Ivan Toney looks more and more likely to be heading back to the Premier League in January in a bid to revive his World Cup chances – and Alex Crook has named Leeds United as a potential club in the mix.
Toney, 29, has been banging in the goals for Saudi Pro League giants Al Ahli since his move to Matthias Jaissle’s side in the summer of 2024. Brentford raked in £40m for the England international last August.
However, Toney’s 41 goals and eight assists in Al Ahli’s royal green have not been enough to convince the England hierarchy and Thomas Tuchel. The German gaffer left Toney out of his squad for November.
With the World Cup around the corner and only one international break remaining in March, before next summer’s tournament, he is running out of time. A return to England on loan in January is a possibility.
Ivan Toney celebrates a goal for Al Ahli.
Photo by Yu Chun Christopher Wong/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images
Alex Crook names Leeds when discussing Ivan Toney’s future
Toney is being linked with many Premier League clubs that are in need of a striker. A return to play under Thomas Frank at Tottenham has been mooted, with Dom Solanke and Randal Kolo Muani suffering injury.
West Ham, with Niclas Fullkrug set to leave. Everton, with Beto and Thierno Barry failing to score on a regular basis. Crook discussed who could sign Toney on TalkSPORT (12/11, 8.30AM), and named Leeds.
“Everton, West Ham are another team in dire need of a no.9. Thomas Frank would love Ivan Toney at Tottenham. Leeds you mentioned as well, half of the Premier League would love to take Ivan Toney.”
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What Pontus Jansson said about his old teammate Ivan Toney
Initially, Jansson and Toney were rivals as Leeds and Brentford developed enemy status with both sides at the top of the Championship and fighting for promotion. Then, Jansson made the move to Brentford.
It saw Jansson and Toney become teammates and over time, the Swedish defender – who is still playing for boyhood club Malmo – became an admirer. He went as far to say in 2022 that Toney was his “idol”.
Ivan Toney and Pontus Jansson after a Brentford game.
Photo by David Horton – CameraSport via Getty Images
“I normally make a joke about it, but Ivan is my idol. What he does is unbelievable. I don’t think people also understand how good he is. He’s an inspiration for me as captain and I can’t praise him enough.”
Whether Leeds stand any chance of signing Toney is another matter. Ally McCoist thinks Leeds would love to sign the England striker. But financial implications are likely to prevent Leeds from doing a deal.