Report: Tottenham Hotspur ‘keen’ on move to sign England striker | OneFootball

Ivan Toney Set to Take Pay Cut for Premier League Return

Ivan Toney’s desire to return to the Premier League is becoming more clear by the day. The 29-year-old striker, currently plying his trade in Saudi Arabia with Al-Ahli, has reportedly told those close to him that he is willing to accept a significant pay cut in order to secure a return to English football. TeamTalk indicate that Tottenham Hotspur are leading the race for Toney’s signature, though they face stiff competition from other Premier League clubs.

Toney’s impressive form in the Saudi Pro League, where he has scored 41 goals in 59 appearances since joining from Brentford for £40m, has not gone unnoticed. His 11 goals in 15 appearances this season highlight his clinical finishing ability, but Toney believes that a return to the Premier League is vital for his chances of making England’s 2026 World Cup squad. To do so, he needs to be playing regularly against elite opposition—a factor that makes his move to Spurs an intriguing possibility.

Spurs Leading the Race for Toney’s Signature

Despite Al-Ahli’s stance that Toney is not for sale, his camp is reportedly working on a solution to make the move happen. Toney is willing to reduce his wages by half, potentially accepting around £200,000 per week, a significant drop from his current salary. Tottenham’s interest is strong, with preliminary talks already taking place, strengthened by the player’s previous association with manager Thomas Frank.

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Spurs are in desperate need of a clinical No 9, and Toney could fill that role perfectly. His goalscoring prowess could be the key to Tottenham’s ambitions of securing a top-four finish and challenging for trophies this season. However, Spurs are not the only club in the mix, as both Chelsea and West Ham have also expressed interest, though complications surrounding Toney’s Saudi contract and wage demands have led to caution from both clubs.

Everton Also in the Frame

Toney’s situation has caught the attention of other Premier League clubs, notably Everton. With Beto and Thierno Barry struggling for form this season, David Moyes has identified Toney as a proven goal scorer who could help propel the Toffees up the table. However, Everton have demanded reassurances from Toney over his long-term commitment and salary expectations before proceeding with any negotiations.

Will Al-Ahli Allow Toney to Leave?

The question now is whether Al-Ahli will allow their star striker to leave mid-season. Despite the player’s intentions, Al-Ahli have made it clear that they have no plans to sell, with sporting director Rui Pedro Braz stating publicly that Toney “will not be sold.” Yet with Toney eager for a move and willing to compromise on his salary, it remains to be seen whether the Saudi club will relent. The complexities of his contract, including potential tax hurdles, could further complicate matters.

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From a Spurs perspective, the prospect of Ivan Toney joining in January is an exciting one. With Solanke injured and Richarlison’s form uncertain, Toney’s arrival would fill a major void in Spurs’ attack. His ability to score goals consistently would provide the team with the firepower they need to mount a serious challenge for the top four.

However, it is difficult not to wonder about the broader implications of such a move. Toney’s willingness to take a pay cut suggests his desire to return to the Premier League is genuine, but it also raises questions about the motivations behind his departure from Saudi Arabia. Would a player willing to sacrifice millions to return to English football really be the kind of player Spurs need to build a team around for the future? While Toney undoubtedly offers short-term goalscoring solutions, his long-term commitment to a club like Spurs would need to be carefully considered.

Everton’s interest also adds an intriguing dimension to the story. The Toffees could certainly use a striker of Toney’s calibre, but the financial hurdles involved in securing his signature may prevent this move from materialising.

Ultimately, Spurs seem to be in the driver’s seat here, but whether Toney can secure his move back to the Premier League will depend on the willingness of all parties involved to find a workable compromise.