Ivan Toney: England striker leaves door open for Premier League return and reveals World Cup hopes
Ivan Toney completed a £40m move to Al Ahli from Brentford in August 2024; the 29-year-old striker scored 30 goals in his first season in Saudi Arabia as his side won the Asian Champions League; Toney hasn't played for England since a two-minute cameo against Senegal in June 2025
Monday 16 February 2026 07:01, UK
Al Ahli striker and England World Cup hopeful Ivan Toney has refused to rule out a return to the Premier League after turning down January offers in favour of staying in Saudi Arabia.
Over 18 months on from his shock £40m move from Brentford to Al Ahli in August 2024, Toney revealed that despite having the opportunity to leave the club and rejoin a Premier League side, he's enjoying life in Saudi.
Toney finished second to just Cristiano Ronaldo in the race for the Saudi Pro League golden boot last season as Al Ahli won the Asian Champions League, before lifting the Saudi Super Cup in August. The 29-year-old netted 30 times across all competitions in his debut season in Saudi Arabia.
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"Never say never," Toney told Sky Sports News when quizzed on a potential return to England.
"I have goals I want to achieve here first, the club have signed me for a long period of time.
"I want to repay them and bring trophies. In football and life, you never know what's around the corner. Who knows what the next step is?
"I'm comfortable here and like being here. 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."
Having just represented England at the Euros, Toney's move to Saudi Arabia was met with some criticism, with suggestions that in making the transfer, he reduced his Three Lions prospects.
Toney's only appearance under England boss Thomas Tuchel was a two-minute cameo against Senegal in June 2025. The striker has failed to earn a call-up in the three camps since.
However, Toney still has hopes of being recalled ahead of this summer's World Cup that will take place across the United States, Canada and Mexico, believing he has a lot to offer Tuchel's side.
"It would mean a lot [to go to the World Cup]," Toney said.
"I have never played at a World Cup. It would be a dream; everyone dreams of that.
"If we were to win it, that would be so big for the country. You have visions of what could happen. If it comes true, it would be a blessing.
"All I can do is keep scoring goals. That gives me the best chance possible," Toney added.
"It could be my last chance. It's [about] whatever is best for the country; the coach will pick the team and you have to respect that.
"I feel much fitter and the stats speak for themselves. My running stats are also high.
"I don't want to just sit back and relax; I am working harder and my stats show it. I am helping those around me. He would be getting a goalscorer who is hungry to play.
"Yes, I'm on a big salary, but I still want to be doing well, it's not the time to be sitting back to relax. I want to try and achieve big things."
