Key Points
- Ivan Toney is strongly linked with a Premier League return, with Tottenham Hotspur showing serious interest in reuniting with the striker.
- West Ham United and Everton have also expressed interest in signing Toney during the January 2026 transfer window, highlighting their urgent need for a prolific goalscorer.
- Wages remain a significant obstacle for Tottenham to complete a January deal due to Toney’s lucrative contract at Al-Ahli in Saudi Arabia.
- A January transfer appears unlikely, with a summer move looking more probable according to industry insiders and Football Insider reports.
- Toney’s agent is reportedly preparing for a transfer request to force a move to Tottenham.
- Former Tottenham striker Troy Parrott is drawing attention from Premier League and Bundesliga clubs, showing the club’s dual focus on attacking options.
What is the current transfer status of Ivan Toney regarding Tottenham, West Ham, and Everton?
As reported by Mick Brown of Football Insider, Ivan Toney is attracting keen interest from three Premier League clubs: Tottenham Hotspur, West Ham United, and Everton. Brown noted that Everton is “desperate” to sign the striker, while West Ham has “turned attention” to Toney following developments in loan markets. Tottenham remains the front-runner but faces financial challenges due to Toney’s high wages at Saudi Arabian club Al-Ahli, making a January deal complicated and unlikely. Brown explained on Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast that Tottenham might revisit the deal in the summer, as the “overall cost of the move will be pretty prohibitive” for a January window signing.​
Why is it difficult for Tottenham to sign Ivan Toney in January?
As Football Insider revealed on 24 October, Toney’s demanding wage package at Al-Ahli remains a significant stumbling block for Tottenham. Despite the club’s desire for attacking reinforcements—whether a wide forward or a number nine—the financial implications hinder negotiations. The Inside Track podcast emphasised the prohibitive nature of his salary compared to the club’s January transfer budget, indicating that Tottenham may have to look elsewhere if they want immediate attacking options in the winter transfer window.​
What is Ivan Toney’s stance and ambition regarding a Premier League return?
According to TottenhamHotspurNews.com (11 November 2025), Ivan Toney’s agent may soon initiate formal steps for the striker to join Tottenham, signalling that Toney himself is determined to force a move back to England. The 29-year-old, who has scored impressively for Al-Ahli (41 goals in 61 appearances), arguably needs to return to the Premier League to keep his hopes alive for a place in the national squad, especially with the World Cup ambitions in mind. Ex-Spurs scout Bryan King told Tottenham News that if a choice is available, “It’s a no-contest; he will go to Tottenham.” However, Al-Ahli reportedly are unwilling to release him in January, complicating matters.​
How has Ivan Toney performed in Saudi Arabia, and how does this impact potential transfers?
Ivan Toney transitioned to Al-Ahli from Brentford in 2024 for approximately £40 million. Despite initial surprise at his move to the Saudi Pro League, he adapted quickly and has been prolific, recording 11 goals and two assists in just 15 appearances in the 2025/26 season alone, with a total of 41 goals in 61 games. His form has significantly raised his profile, sparking transfer interest. Still, reports suggest Toney remains content with life in Saudi Arabia financially, leaving uncertainty over his willingness to leave mid-season.​
What does Tottenham’s current striker situation look like, and how does Ivan Toney fit in?
Tottenham currently face attacking challenges, with forwards Dominic Solanke and Richarlison struggling for consistent goal returns. The club desires a reliable goalscorer who can provide depth and quality—traits that Toney exhibits. As noted by various sources, Tottenham see Toney as a viable target to solve these issues. Moreover, Toney’s reunion with Thomas Frank, his former Brentford manager now at Tottenham, adds a relational dimension increasing the likelihood of his preference for Spurs if a move materialises.​
Are any other players linked to Tottenham that might impact their transfer strategy?
The former Tottenham youth striker Troy Parrott is gaining traction from Premier League and Bundesliga clubs as he continues his development at AZ Alkmaar. Parrott’s recent performance in World Cup qualifiers for Ireland, where he scored twice against Portugal, has elevated his transfer value and interest level. Tottenham’s pursuit of fresh attacking talents like Parrott suggests the club is balancing their immediate needs with future planning alongside chasing Toney.​
What is the outlook for Ivan Toney’s transfer — will it happen in January or summer?
The consensus from multiple reports, including Football Insider and Tottenham Hotspur News, is that a January transfer is improbable due to Al-Ahli’s reluctance and the financial demands associated with Toney’s contract. A summer transfer window remains the most plausible scenario for Tottenham to secure Toney’s services, giving all parties more time to negotiate and potentially ease wage-related constraints. Tottenham may also explore other options in January to strengthen their attack if Toney’s transfer stalls further.​
Ivan Toney is the subject of a competitive transfer interest from Tottenham Hotspur, West Ham United, and Everton, with Spurs leading the chase given the former player’s connection to manager Thomas Frank. Financial hurdles, particularly Toney’s high Saudi wages, currently limit a January move. His agent’s intent and Toney’s own ambitions favour a return to the Premier League, but practical barriers make a summer transfer the likeliest outcome. Meanwhile, Tottenham are monitoring alternatives like Troy Parrott as they seek to boost their attacking options.
