Ivan Toney, once one of the most sought-after strikers in the Premier League, has taken a bold and life-changing decision by leaving Brentford for a lucrative transfer to Al-Ahli in Saudi Arabia. After months of speculation regarding his future and potential moves to several top Premier League clubs, the 28-year-old forward has opted for a fresh start in the Middle East. His move to Al-Ahli, worth approximately £40 million, marks a new phase in his career as he prepares to play outside of England for the first time.
This transfer represents more than just a geographical change for Toney; it is a significant financial upgrade that will see him join the ranks of some of the highest-paid English players in football. The switch to the Saudi Pro League, alongside footballing icons like Riyad Mahrez, Roberto Firmino, and Gabri Veiga at the Jeddah-based club, reflects the growing influence of the Saudi league in attracting top talent from Europe. As Toney embarks on this new journey, the move encapsulates both the footballing ambition and the vast financial opportunities presented by Saudi Arabian clubs.
The Build-Up to the Transfer: A Summer of Speculation
Toney’s departure from Brentford had been widely anticipated throughout the summer transfer window. Speculation surrounding his future was intense, with many expecting the prolific striker to make a high-profile move to one of the Premier League’s top clubs. Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur, Chelsea, and Manchester United were all linked to Toney at various points in the transfer saga, as the forward was seen as an ideal option for clubs looking to bolster their attacking options.
The summer of 2024 saw a number of prominent Premier League clubs seeking reinforcements in the forward department. Manchester United, after much deliberation, signed Joshua Zirkzee from Bologna for £36.5 million, which effectively ended their pursuit of Toney. Meanwhile, Tottenham Hotspur spent a club-record £65 million on Dominic Solanke, filling the void left by Harry Kane’s departure to Bayern Munich. These moves left Arsenal and Chelsea as the remaining contenders for Toney’s signature. Both clubs were reported to be keen on acquiring the England international, with Arsenal needing competition for Gabriel Jesus and Chelsea looking to rebuild their attack under Mauricio Pochettino.
Despite the interest from these Premier League giants, Toney surprised many by opting for a different path. Instead of continuing his journey in England’s top flight, he chose to embrace the new and lucrative challenge offered by the Saudi Pro League. Al-Ahli, one of Saudi Arabia’s top clubs, had been aggressively pursuing top talent from European leagues, and Toney became their latest marquee signing in a transfer window that saw several high-profile players make similar moves.
From Brentford to Al-Ahli: The Transfer Details
Toney’s decision to join Al-Ahli marked the culmination of a successful three-year spell at Brentford, where he established himself as one of the Premier League’s most prolific forwards. After watching Brentford secure a 3-1 win over Southampton at the start of September, Toney departed for the Middle East, where he finalized the details of his transfer to Al-Ahli. The move is not just a significant career shift, but also a highly lucrative one for the striker.
Toney’s new contract at Al-Ahli is set to earn him an eye-watering £400,000 per week, tax-free. This figure could rise to as much as £500,000 per week with performance-related bonuses and incentives. This staggering salary represents a significant upgrade from the reported £36,000 per week he was earning at Brentford. Such a dramatic pay increase highlights the financial power of the Saudi Pro League, which has emerged as a major player in the global football market by offering salaries that even Europe’s biggest clubs find difficult to match.
For Toney, the financial aspect of this move is transformative. His salary now places him among the highest-paid English footballers in the world, a remarkable achievement for a player who started his professional career in the lower tiers of English football with Northampton Town. The contrast between Toney’s modest beginnings and his current status as one of the highest earners in the game is a testament to his hard work and progression through the footballing ranks.
A Bold Decision: Why Toney Chose Saudi Arabia Over the Premier League
Toney’s choice to move to Saudi Arabia instead of staying in the Premier League may have come as a surprise to many fans and pundits. After all, he was a player in high demand, with offers from some of the biggest clubs in England. However, his decision appears to be driven by a combination of factors, both professional and personal, that go beyond the obvious financial benefits.
First and foremost, the financial incentives offered by Al-Ahli were difficult to ignore. With a salary that dwarfs what he could have earned at any Premier League club, the opportunity to secure his financial future must have been a major factor in his decision-making process. Additionally, the tax-free nature of his earnings in Saudi Arabia makes the deal even more attractive.
However, it’s not just about the money. The Saudi Pro League has undergone significant growth in recent years, attracting top talent from Europe and other parts of the world. The chance to play alongside world-class players such as Mahrez, Firmino, and Veiga presents a unique footballing challenge for Toney, one that may have appealed to his sense of adventure and ambition. While the Premier League remains one of the most competitive leagues in the world, the allure of being part of a growing footballing project in Saudi Arabia may have convinced Toney that this was the right time for a change.
Furthermore, moving to Al-Ahli offers Toney a fresh start. After several successful seasons in the Premier League, he may have felt that he had achieved all he could with Brentford and that a new challenge was necessary to reignite his passion for the game. The Saudi Pro League offers a different footballing culture and environment, which could provide the kind of excitement and motivation that Toney may have been seeking at this stage in his career.
What This Means for Toney’s England Prospects
One of the key questions surrounding Toney’s move to Saudi Arabia is how it will affect his prospects with the England national team. Toney made his debut for England in 2023 and was seen as a potential backup option for Harry Kane in future international tournaments. However, playing in the Saudi Pro League, which is not as competitive as the Premier League or other top European leagues, could potentially hinder his chances of being selected for future England squads.
Gareth Southgate, the England manager, has historically preferred players who are performing at the highest level in Europe. While Toney’s goal-scoring prowess and experience could still make him an asset to the national team, the fact that he is playing in Saudi Arabia may work against him when it comes to selection. Southgate has made it clear in the past that he values players who are competing in Europe’s top leagues, and there is a risk that Toney’s visibility and form could suffer in the less competitive environment of the Saudi Pro League.
That being said, the landscape of football is constantly changing, and the growing influence of the Saudi league may eventually force national team managers to reconsider their stance on players plying their trade outside of Europe. For now, however, Toney’s focus will likely be on making an impact at Al-Ahli and continuing to develop his game, regardless of whether it affects his international ambitions.
The Broader Impact of Toney’s Transfer
Toney’s move to Al-Ahli is part of a broader trend of high-profile players moving to Saudi Arabia, as the country invests heavily in its domestic league. This influx of talent is part of Saudi Arabia’s wider strategy to establish itself as a major player in global football, both on and off the pitch. The Saudi Pro League has already attracted several big-name players, and Toney’s arrival is further proof that the league is becoming an attractive destination for top talent.
For Brentford, the loss of Toney will be significant, as he was a key figure in their rise to the Premier League and subsequent success. However, the club will likely reinvest the £40 million transfer fee into strengthening their squad, as they look to continue their progress without their star striker.
As for Toney, his move to Al-Ahli represents a bold and potentially game-changing decision. He will now have the opportunity to test himself in a new environment, both on and off the field, while securing a financial future that most players can only dream of. Whether this move will ultimately be seen as a success will depend on how Toney adapts to life in Saudi Arabia and how his performances on the pitch reflect his talent and ambition.
In the end, Toney’s transfer to Al-Ahli is not just about football—it’s about embracing new opportunities, taking risks, and securing a future that goes beyond the game. For the 28-year-old forward, it’s a move that could define the next phase of his career, both in terms of financial success and personal fulfillment.