Ivan Toney: Man United discover if Al‑Ahli goal machine can be lured back to the Premier League | OneFootball

A striker signing is not something Manchester United are ruling out for the winter transfer window, if the growing transfer murmurs are anything to go by.

The Red Devils continue to be linked with forwards as January approaches, with names such as Vitor Roque, Franculino, Karl Etta Eyong, and Ivan Toney all surfacing.

These links coincide with persistent speculation about Joshua Zirkzee‘s future at Old Trafford.

The Dutchman is heavily linked with a move to AS Roma in January. Should he depart, United would have little choice but to bring in a replacement.

While United weigh up their options with a strong shortlist already drawn up, a reputable UK outlet has now revealed one striker they may need to strike off their wishlist.

Toney January transfer chance

According to talkSPORT, a January move for Ivan Toney looks highly unlikely.

The report states: “New Al-Ahli sporting director Rui Pedro Braz has no inclination to sell or loan Toney, and the club’s position is only likely to change if they found an elite replacement.”

With no pressure to sanction a departure, the piece adds: “Toney is contracted at Al-Ahli until summer 2028 and understood to be happy in Saudi.

“England boss Thomas Tuchel has not communicated any guarantees of a place in his World Cup squad if Toney left Saudi Arabia this window. It has been communicated back that Toney is settled in Saudi Arabia.”

Even if United attempted to push for the deal, the outlet admits Al-Ahli would demand a fee higher than the £40m they paid, while Toney’s wages (over £400k per week tax-free) could prove a significant stumbling block.

Toney could have been a hit at Old Trafford

Since arriving in Saudi Arabia in the summer of 2024, Toney has lived up to his billing. He has been a revelation for Al-Ahli, maintaining his scoring form and firing the club to Asian Champions League glory.

Ivan Toney stats per season (as per Flashscore)

United, for sure, could have benefited from his Premier League experience and clinical edge.

Yet the clarity that he will not be making the move allows INEOS to avoid a drawn-out transfer saga and instead focus on attainable targets should Zirkzee depart.

Featured image Yasser Bakhsh via Getty Images

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