Ivan Toney Transfer Hopes Fade as Al-Ahli Block Tottenham Move

Ivan Toney transfer speculation has been at the center of January’s football headlines, but Al-Ahli have firmly shut the door on a possible move to Tottenham, making it clear that the England striker is not for sale. The Saudi Pro League club’s director, Rui Pedro Braz, has unequivocally dismissed any talk of a midseason departure, forcing Spurs and other suitors to refocus their transfer strategies.

Ivan Toney Transfer: Al-Ahli Stand Firm

Ivan Toney, who made the high-profile switch from Brentford to Al-Ahli in 2024 for a reported £40 million, has rapidly established himself as a key figure in the Saudi Pro League. After a debut season in which he silenced critics by netting 23 league goals—just two fewer than Cristiano Ronaldo—the England international continued to excel. Surrounded by top talent like Riyad Mahrez and, until recently, Roberto Firmino, Toney helped Al-Ahli claim the AFC Champions League and recently added the Saudi Super Cup to his trophy haul.

His form has made him indispensable in the Al-Ahli dressing room. With 11 goals in 15 appearances across all competitions this season, the club’s hierarchy considers him vital to their ongoing ambitions. It’s no surprise, then, that speculation about an Ivan Toney transfer has been met with outright rejection.

Rui Pedro Braz: “Toney Is Not For Sale”

Al-Ahli’s director, Rui Pedro Braz, moved swiftly to quash rumors of a January exit, stating, “Ivan Toney is a top player, a top striker. The rumours around his possible exit in January are not based on reality. It’s just not true. We’re counting on him, it makes zero sense to address this subject in November.”

The message is clear: any transfer approaches for Toney, especially from Tottenham, will be rebuffed. With Dominic Solanke struggling with injury and Randal Kolo Muani sidelined, Spurs’ need for attacking reinforcements is acute. Toney, familiar with manager Thomas Frank’s style from their Brentford days, had been viewed as the perfect solution. However, after Braz’s statement, Tottenham must look elsewhere.

Premier League Clubs Blocked in Pursuit of Ivan Toney Transfer

Tottenham aren’t the only Premier League side interested in an Ivan Toney transfer. Manchester United, who had monitored him prior to his Saudi switch, have also been linked due to Benjamin Sesko’s injury. Yet, according to talkSPORT’s Ben Jacobs, United’s focus currently remains on Sesko and Matheus Cunha, making a Toney move to Old Trafford unlikely this window.

Toney’s England Ambitions Complicated by Transfer Block

Before heading to the Saudi Pro League, Toney had scored 36 Premier League goals in 83 appearances for Brentford. His standout 2022/23 campaign saw him net 20 times in 33 matches, marking him as one of England’s top strikers. In December 2024, reflecting on his move, Toney said, “People look at this league differently, but I stepped into it knowing it’s still a high standard. I wanted something a bit different. It’s a different culture, but I can blend in anywhere.”

However, with the 2026 World Cup approaching and Toney’s England call-ups drying up—he missed the last three camps and played just once in 2025—the striker reportedly believes a return to English football could revive his international prospects. After debuting in 2023 and contributing crucially at Euro 2024, Toney is now on the outside looking in under Thomas Tuchel.

Ivan Toney Transfer Outlook: What Next for Tottenham and Toney?

Unless there is a dramatic shift in Al-Ahli’s stance, the Ivan Toney transfer saga appears set to continue well past January 2026. With Al-Ahli determined to retain their star, Tottenham and other Premier League hopefuls must explore alternative options in their quest for firepower.

For more news on the latest football transfers and Premier League updates, visit for more news.

Opinion: Right Call for Al-Ahli, Frustrating for England Hopes

In my view, Al-Ahli’s decision to hold on to Ivan Toney is a testament to his value in the Saudi Pro League. He’s proven his worth on a new stage, but the transfer block is a blow for clubs like Tottenham in need of an elite striker, and it could hinder Toney’s England ambitions with the World Cup on the horizon. The move makes sense for Al-Ahli, but it leaves one of England’s most talented forwards with a difficult path back to the Premier League spotlight.