The Remarkable Journey of Ivan Toney: From Brentford Hero to Saudi

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Ivan Toney’s rise to global football stardom has taken a route no one quite saw coming. From being the talismanic striker at Brentford to making headlines in Saudi Arabia, Toney has rewritten what it means to have a successful football career in today’s game. And now, with his recent recall to the England squad under Thomas Tuchel, his story has taken another dramatic turn, proving that ambition, talent, and a bit of risk can take a player anywhere.

A Bold Move That Raised Eyebrows

When Toney made the decision to swap the Premier League for Saudi Arabia’s Al-Ahli in the summer of 2024, it sparked instant debate. Fans and pundits questioned whether he was trading competitiveness for cash. But as it turns out, that move was anything but a retirement plan. Toney didn’t just show up in the Saudi Pro League—he exploded onto the scene.

In just his first season, he racked up an astonishing 22 goals in 29 matches. That kind of form would turn heads in any league. For a player transitioning to a new environment, culture, and playing style, it’s a statement—and a loud one at that. He didn’t just adapt; he thrived.

Big Paycheck, Bigger Impact

Let’s not pretend the financial side of this deal wasn’t eye-popping. Toney became the second-highest paid player at Al-Ahli, only behind Riyad Mahrez, earning a weekly wage of £411,340. That’s a yearly take-home of over £21 million—life-changing money for any footballer. And the club splashed out a reported £40 million to sign him from Brentford, a tidy profit for the West London club who originally signed him for just £10 million.

But for Toney, it wasn’t just about the paycheck. He went to Saudi Arabia with something to prove—and prove it he did. His performances have made it clear that ambition and drive didn’t stay behind in England. They came with him to Jeddah, where he’s become a marquee player.

The Brentford Chapter: A Legacy That Endures

While his journey has moved on, Toney’s legacy at Brentford is far from forgotten. During his time with the Bees, he scored 72 goals in 141 appearances and was a central figure in the club’s promotion to the Premier League. He didn’t just help them get there—he helped them stay there.

Former manager Thomas Frank often referred to Toney as a model professional and a player whose influence stretched far beyond the pitch. Brentford fans still speak of him with reverence, and for good reason. He was the kind of striker every club dreams of: powerful, clinical, and relentlessly driven.

England Comes Calling (Again)

Perhaps the most telling sign of Toney’s continued rise is his return to the England squad. Thomas Tuchel’s decision to recall him for matches against Andorra and Senegal marks a significant moment in the striker’s career—and in the narrative of English football.

In the past, a move to a less traditional footballing nation might have been seen as a step away from international duty. But Tuchel’s selection of Toney sends a different message: form and talent matter more than geography. The striker’s performances have made him impossible to ignore, no matter where he plays.

A Future Still Wide Open

With all the noise around his success in Saudi Arabia, it’s no surprise that Premier League clubs are watching closely. There are already rumors swirling about a potential return to England. Could we see Toney back in the top flight next season? Possibly. But for now, he’s laser-focused on continuing his hot streak at Al-Ahli.

And let’s be honest—his numbers don’t lie. With an expected goals (xG) metric of 24.16 and 21 actual goals scored, Toney’s sharpness in front of goal remains undiminished. His ability to read the game, find space, and finish clinically hasn’t dropped a bit, even in a new and different footballing environment.

A Symbol of Football’s New Era

Toney’s story isn’t just about one player succeeding in a new league. It’s a reflection of football’s changing landscape. Players are no longer limited to the traditional powerhouses of Europe. The Saudi Pro League is rapidly growing, and players like Toney are proving that it’s not just a place for aging stars but also for peak performers looking for new challenges.

He’s opened the door for others to consider similar moves—showing that career progression doesn’t have to follow a narrow path. With national team recognition still within reach and his performances at a world-class level, Toney is showing that excellence isn’t bound by geography.

The Journey Is Far From Over

As the 2024/25 season winds down, Ivan Toney stands as one of the most compelling figures in football. His journey from the Championship to the Premier League, and now to Saudi Arabia and back to the England squad, is nothing short of remarkable.

And the best part? He’s not done yet.

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