Everton are admirers of Ivan Toney.
Everton News understand the Toffees held talks to sign Toney in November as David Moyes looked to find a new striker to upgrade on Thierno Barry and Beto.
A deal never materialised and the England international – who left Brentford in a £40m move to Al Ahli back in August 2024 – remained in Saudi Arabia, where he has impressively scored 66 goals in 84 games.
However, the 30-year-old has now released a statement as he takes aim at the Saudi Pro League, expressing his anger at how the division is being officiated in what could be a potential lifeline for Everton ahead of a possible second chance at his signature.
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Romelu Lukaku of Everton celebrates his goal during the Barclays Premier League match between Hull City and Everton
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Ivan Toney accuses Saudi Pro League of wanting to help Al Nassr
Al Ahli are just four points behind Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al Nassr in the Saudi Pro League – a title he and the Portugal international are yet to win since moving to Saudi Arabia.
As Toney pushes for a first league title of his career, the Everton target has now voiced his anger at how officials are seemingly trying to guide the competition towards Ronaldo, he feels.
The 30-year-old wrote: “The big talking point was the two penalties. It’s clear as day. I don’t know what more you want him to do? Pick the ball up with two hands, are you going to give a penalty then or not.
“And then we try to talk to the referee and he tries to tell us to focus on the AFC (Asian Champions League). How can the referee say this? We’re talking about now and he says focus on the AFC. If you want me to go deeper, I can go deeper. It might get me into trouble but I’m a man that says it how it is.
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“Throughout the season it’s a clear penalty, but now we get to crunch time, they change it, I don’t know why. We know who (is benefitting). Who are we chasing?
“Hopefully we get some decisions, fair ones. If we have good referees and we play how we normally play, and decisions go our way, we have a good chance. But if they continue like this it will be tough.”
Toney – who is open to returning to the Premier League – continued his rant on Instagram, adding: “It’s actually crazy how you can miss things like this in crucial moments or choose to turn a blind eye. And without saying too much that may get me in trouble, it’s clear what’s being influenced here!
“Next time if needed I can bring someone from my area that doesn’t have a clue about football to do a MUCH better job than some of these.”
As Toney approaches the final two years of his contract at Al Ahli this summer, we feel he could look to leave the Saudi Pro League if Al Nassr end up winning the title – a development which would surely leave him with little faith in the Saudi Arabian Football Federation.
What changes would you make from this side to face Brentford? 🤔
Predicted Everton XI for Saturday's Premier League game against Brentford.
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The Athletic believe Everton are also ready to move on from Beto despite the Guinea-Bissau international’s recent upturn in form, so be sure to keep an eye on the situation to see if The Friedkin Group reopen talks with the representatives of Toney.
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