Journalist Claims “Jaissle Definitely Wants To Sign” Striker Who Has Scored 83 Times In His Last 105 Appearances
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Newcastle United boss Matthias Jaissle is keen on bringing Al-Ahli forward Ivan Toney back to the Premier League, according to journalist Khalid Al-Shenaif.
Posting on his X account, Al-Shenaif said that the England international is a priority signing for the Magpies’ head coach:
“Jaissle definitely wants to sign him. If this happens, it will undoubtedly be a major crisis [for Al-Ahli].”
Toney has scored 83 goals in 105 appearances since moving to Saudi Arabia from Brentford for £40m in the summer of 2024.
Why is Jaissle keen on recruiting Toney?
Newcastle have not been particularly threatening in the final third. Matias Fernandez-Pardo was brought in to add more firepower, but the Belgian is yet to get off the mark, and club legend Alan Shearer has questioned whether he is a “natural” goalscorer.
Jaissle’s other forward options – Yoane Wissa and Will Osula – have scored just one goal between them so far this campaign, although the latter has spent a considerable amount of time on the sidelines with a foot injury.
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Will Newcastle United have competition for the striker?
Manchester United and other Premier League teams have been mentioned as potential suitors for Toney, but the Magpies will have one potential advantage over other clubs.
PIF owns Al-Ahli, so if they were to sanction the 30-year-old’s departure, negotiations should be pretty straightforward if the player is interested in making the move.
The biggest obstacle would undoubtedly be Toney’s salary demands. It is believed the forward is currently earning in excess of £400,000 a week.
With Newcastle needing to be mindful of the Premier League’s squad cost ratio rules, they would likely need Toney to accept a substantial pay cut to make the switch to St James’ Park viable.