Report: England forward set to turn down Tottenham Hotspur move | OneFootball

Tottenham Face Major Obstacles in Pursuit of Saudi-Based Forward

Spurs Assess January Options

Tottenham’s search for a new striker has become one of the defining threads of their January planning, yet Football Insider’s latest reporting suggests the club may be forced into a rethink. Their interest in the Al-Ahli forward has been consistent, but sources have told Football Insider that the player is “more than likely” to stay in Saudi Arabia despite the London club’s growing need for greater firepower.

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Spurs have explored various funding mechanisms to strengthen the squad. Football Insider revealed that one of Dominic Solanke or Richarlison could be sold to facilitate a move. Both players have struggled to deliver sustained output, prompting a renewed focus on the market. However, even with these considerations, the Al-Ahli forward remains far from attainable.

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Saudi Situation Limits Spurs’ Ambition

The Inside Track podcast provided further clarity. “Right now I think it’s probably more than likely that Ivan Toney will remain in Saudi Arabia,” the source explained. The report highlighted that his lucrative contract, running until the end of the 2027-28 season, presents a major stumbling block. Football Insider added that the player’s wages would make the deal “difficult” for Spurs to justify, especially within Premier League financial rules.

“Al-Ahli don’t really want to lose him and it does seem that overall Toney is happy in Saudi Arabia as well,” the Insider noted. That sense of contentment, combined with contractual security, significantly weakens Tottenham’s chances of completing the move.

Rivals Monitor Situation

Despite the complications, other Premier League clubs remain active in their interest. Football Insider revealed that Everton and West Ham “continue to sound out a move”, driven by goalscoring issues of their own. Both clubs view the striker as a potential catalyst for their own attacking revival.

There is also the England factor. With qualification for the 2026 World Cup secured and Harry Kane still the undisputed first choice, the competition for squad places remains fierce. Football Insider suggested that the forward “may be reconsidering his stance on a Premier League move” as he seeks to re-enter the international discussion and attract the attention of Thomas Tuchel.

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For now, though, the January pathway remains obstructed, leaving Spurs to weigh alternative options as the window draws closer.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

Tottenham’s pursuit of a top-level striker has spanned multiple windows, yet the same issues continue to resurface. Fans were hopeful that the Saudi-based forward could be the answer, offering proven finishing, penalty-box presence and the psychological lift that a marquee signing brings. Instead, this report reinforces another missed opportunity.

The details sting even more when considering the club’s current struggles in front of goal. There have been spells of bright play, but the lack of a consistent scorer has undermined momentum. Hearing that the club may need to sell one of Solanke or Richarlison only deepens frustration. Supporters have seen this cycle too often, outgoing players funding incoming ones, without a clear long-term plan materialising.

The wages issue feels like another roadblock that could have been anticipated. Fans want decisive action, not the familiar refrain of “difficult deal”. If Al-Ahli are unwilling to negotiate and the player is genuinely happy in Saudi Arabia, Tottenham’s recruitment team must pivot quickly. There is no benefit in chasing unattainable targets.

The most worrying part of the report is the sense that other Premier League clubs, even those operating with budget limitations, may be more proactive. Everton and West Ham continuing to push, while Spurs hesitate, adds to the irritation among supporters who feel the club falls short in high-pressure windows.

Finally, the England angle offers a glimmer of hope but also highlights the uncertainty. If the forward views a Premier League return as a long-term objective, patience may be required. But patience is in short supply among a fanbase tired of near misses.

Ultimately, Spurs fans want clarity, ambition and a striker who arrives before the season’s defining weeks, not after them.