In a major exclusive development, Brentford and England striker Ivan Toney is poised to reject a high-profile transfer to Italian giants Juventus, with his primary focus firmly fixed on securing a place in England's squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Toney's Calculated Gamble for International Glory
While Harry Kane remains the undisputed leader of England's attack, the competition to become his primary understudy is intensifying. Ivan Toney, currently on loan at Saudi Pro League side Al-Ahli, believes his current goalscoring exploits provide the clearest pathway to fulfilling his international ambitions under manager Thomas Tuchel.
Juventus Interest Versus World Cup Aspiration
Juventus manager Luciano Spalletti had identified Toney as a key target to bolster his attacking options before the transfer deadline, seeking to maintain the club's impressive run of eight wins from their last eleven matches. With Tottenham Hotspur reluctant to part with French forward Randal Kolo Muani, the 29-year-old Toney emerged as a viable alternative for the Serie A side.
However, Toney's personal objectives lie elsewhere. Having been included in Tuchel's preliminary World Cup plans last year, the striker is determined to build on that momentum. His decision underscores a strategic career move, prioritising consistent playing time and goal-scoring form in Saudi Arabia over a high-pressure switch to one of Europe's most storied clubs.
Proving His Worth in the Saudi Pro League
Toney has been in scintillating form for Al-Ahli, currently leading the Saudi Pro League scoring charts with an impressive 18 goals. This tally places him two goals ahead of legendary forward Cristiano Ronaldo, who sits third in the rankings. Toney reinforced his credentials with a stunning hat-trick for his club just last week.
In a recent statement, Toney articulated his rationale, emphasising the competitive nature of his current environment. "I feel like I'm doing well right now and that continuing to score goals [here in Saudi] will give me a stronger chance to get to what could be my only World Cup," he explained. He paid tribute to Harry Kane's phenomenal record but stressed his own focus: "For me, it's not easy to score goals in this league... It's tough. Being in a team that I'm in, it gives me a chance. We have some good players that enjoy assisting, and thankfully for them, they have a striker that loves scoring and wants more."
The Broader Context of England's Striking Options
This development throws a fascinating spotlight on England's attacking hierarchy ahead of the global tournament. While Kane's position is secure, Toney's choice to remain in a high-scoring, visible role abroad, rather than test himself immediately in a top European league, represents a calculated gamble. It suggests a player confident that his performances will speak louder than the prestige of his club at this critical juncture.
The coming months will be crucial for Toney as he aims to convert his Saudi Pro League dominance into a definitive ticket to the 2026 World Cup, potentially at the expense of a glamorous move to Turin.
