Al Ahly striker and England World Cup favorite Ivan Toney has not ruled out a return to the Premier League after turning down an offer in January in favor of staying in Saudi Arabia.
More than 18 months after his surprise £40m move to Al Ahly from Brentford in August 2024, Toney has revealed he is enjoying life in Saudi Arabia despite having the opportunity to leave the club and rejoin the Premier League team.
Tony finished second to Cristiano Ronaldo in the race for the Golden Boot in the Saudi Pro League last season as Al Ahly won the Asian Champions League and hosted the Saudi Super Cup in August. The 29-year-old scored 30 goals in all competitions in his debut season in Saudi Arabia.
When asked about the possibility of a return to England, Toney told Sky Sports News: “Never say never.”
“First of all, I had goals that I wanted to achieve here, and the club signed me to a long-term contract.
“I want to give back to them and bring them trophies. In football and in life, you never know what’s going to happen around the corner. You never know what the next step will be.
“I feel comfortable here and I like being here. I’m doing well, the numbers speak for themselves and I’m calm. I’m enjoying my football and I don’t see any reason to leave here to get back to where I was.”
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See Tony’s dramatic final penalty against Al Ahly from every angle, which secured their victory over Al Ta’oun in the Saudi Pro League.
Toney’s move to Saudi Arabia, who had just appeared at the Euros with England, was criticized by some, with some suggesting the move diminished the Three Lions’ chances.
Toney’s only appearance under England manager Thomas Tuchel was a two-minute cameo against Senegal in June 2025. Since then, the striker has failed to receive a call-up in three camps.
But Toney believes he has a lot to offer Tuchel’s side and still holds out hopes of being recalled ahead of this summer’s World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
Tony scored 30 goals in all competitions in his first season with Al Ahly.
“It means a lot (to play in the World Cup),” Toney said.
“I’ve never played in a World Cup. That would be a dream, everyone dreams of it.
“If we win it would be a huge thing for the country. You all have a vision of what will happen and if it comes true it will be a blessing.
Toney last represented England in the friendly defeat to Senegal in June.
“All I can do is keep scoring goals. That gives me the best chance possible,” Toni added.
“This could be my last chance. Whatever is best for the country. It is the manager who chooses the team and you have to respect that.
“I feel much better in shape and my stats speak for themselves, my running stats are also high.
“I’m not going to just sit back and relax. I’m working harder and it shows in the stats. I’m helping the guys around me. He’s going to get a goalscorer who’s hungry to play.”
“Yes, I have a high salary, but I still want to do a good job. This is no time to sit back and relax. I want to take on challenges and achieve big things.”
