Football Feb 16, 2026

Ivan Toney: England striker leaves door open for Premier League return and reveals World Cup hopes

👤
By Admin
Sports Journalist
Ivan Toney: England striker leaves door open for Premier League return and reveals World Cup hopes

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.

"Never say never," Toney told Your Site 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."

Tags:

football news

Share this article

Related Posts

Europa League & Conference League last 16 draw: Aston Villa, Nottingham Forest and Crystal Palace learn opponents

Europa League & Conference League last 16 draw: Aston Villa, Nottingham Forest and Crystal Palace learn opponents

Aston Villa have been drawn against Lille in the Europa League last 16, with Nottingham Forest facing Midtjylland as the pair meet again this season....

Douglas Luiz interview: Why Aston Villa return suits him and Unai Emery as Brazilian midfielder readjusts to Villa life

Douglas Luiz interview: Why Aston Villa return suits him and Unai Emery as Brazilian midfielder readjusts to Villa life

Douglas Luiz is delighted to be back at Aston Villa. Ask him what he missed about the place and his answer is swift. “Everything! I missed the players...

Rangers vs Celtic: Danny Röhl and Martin O'Neill's 'War of Words' ahead of Sunday's Old Firm - live on Sky Sports

Rangers vs Celtic: Danny Röhl and Martin O'Neill's 'War of Words' ahead of Sunday's Old Firm - live on Sky Sports

In the build-up to Old Firm games, we’ve become used to our usual routine: widespread panic at dropped points, outrage at refereeing decisions, and cl...

Champions League last 16 draw: Man City draw Real Madrid as Arsenal, Liverpool, Chelsea, Spurs and Newcastle learn fate

Champions League last 16 draw: Man City draw Real Madrid as Arsenal, Liverpool, Chelsea, Spurs and Newcastle learn fate

Manchester City will face Real Madrid in the last 16 of the Champions League, as Chelsea were drawn against holders Paris Saint-Germain.Chelsea could...

Leeds vs Man City: Jayden Bogle and Gabriel Gudmundsson explain transformation under Daniel Farke since Etihad defeat

Leeds vs Man City: Jayden Bogle and Gabriel Gudmundsson explain transformation under Daniel Farke since Etihad defeat

Everything changed for Leeds United and Daniel Farke during half-time at Manchester City on November 29.The promoted side, who began that weekend in t...

Anthony Gordon transfer news: Newcastle forward's contract length revealed amid Arsenal speculation

Anthony Gordon transfer news: Newcastle forward's contract length revealed amid Arsenal speculation

Newcastle have added security surrounding the future of Anthony Gordon with his contract set to expire in 2030.Reports have suggested Arsenal will tar...