Ivan Toney Shifts Stance on Premier League Return
Ivan Toney has dramatically altered his position regarding a potential return to the Premier League, mere weeks after he firmly rejected multiple offers to depart Saudi Arabia during the January transfer window. The 29-year-old striker, who currently plays for Al-Ahli in the Saudi Pro League, had previously committed to staying in the Middle East to bolster his chances of securing a spot in England's World Cup squad.
January Rejections and Summer Possibilities
Unlike his steadfast refusal in January, Toney is now not ruling out a summer exit. This revelation comes after he turned down interest from clubs including Italian giants Juventus, who were keen to sign him last month. Toney left Brentford 18 months ago in a £40 million deal and has since found contentment and success in Saudi Arabia.
In a recent interview with Sky Sports, the former Brentford talisman was asked about the possibility of returning to the Premier League. "Never say never," Toney replied, leaving the door ajar for a future move. He elaborated, "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."
Current Form and World Cup Ambitions
Toney is currently the top scorer in the Saudi Pro League, having netted 20 goals in as many games this season. Al-Ahli sits third in the table, just three points off the summit. His impressive form is central to his strategy for earning a call-up to the England national team for the upcoming World Cup in North America.
The striker believes that playing in the intense Saudi heat could provide him with a unique advantage over other English forwards. He explained, "Maybe [I could bring an advantage due to the heat]. There are great players in the squad and some top English strikers, so I guess everyone will have an opportunity, as everyone will be able to adapt to the heat, but you can say I'm a bit more used to it than others."
Toney added that the conditions have forced him to adapt his gameplay, stating, "It's tough because you have to change your game slightly. You can't be running around crazy because otherwise you run out of steam. You have to be more strategic with the runs you make. I guess I won't have to adapt. I've played in 30-plus degrees here, and I feel like I'm adapted to it."
Future Prospects and National Team Hopes
Despite his openness to a Premier League return, Toney remains focused on his immediate objectives. He emphasized his comfort and success in Saudi Arabia, saying, "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."
Looking ahead, Toney is hopeful of receiving a call-up for England's friendly matches against Uruguay and Japan next month. These fixtures represent the final camp before the World Cup, and he expressed his desire to represent his country, noting, "It would mean a lot [to go to the World Cup]. 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."
As the summer transfer window approaches, Toney's future remains uncertain, but his recent comments suggest that a return to the Premier League is no longer off the table, marking a significant shift from his January stance.
