Ivan Toney’s time in Saudi Arabia has been nothing short of lucrative. Since joining Al Ahli from Brentford in August 2024, the England striker has reportedly been earning up to £403,000 per week, on a four-year contract running until 2028. Recent reports suggest he may now be willing to take a dramatic 50% pay cut to return to the English top flight and revive his hopes of playing for England in the upcoming World Cup.
Why Toney Is Considering Taking A Massive Pay Cut
Toney’s motivation is clear: he believes that playing in the Premier League gives him a better shot at being selected for England’s squad under manager Thomas Tuchel. He has expressed doubts that his current stint in the Saudi Pro League is helping his international career. This was always the case since his move from Brentford.
Sources indicate that Toney is ready to reduce his weekly wage from around £400,000 to £200,000 if he can secure a move back to England. Tottenham Hotspur has reportedly opened preliminary talks, while Everton is also monitoring the situation.
The Financial Trade Off Between Big Money And International Ambition
Taking a 50 percent pay cut is huge, but Toney’s reasoning is sound. In Saudi Arabia, he benefits from a 0 percent income tax rate, keeping his full salary.
Returning to England would expose him to significantly higher taxes, reducing his net income. Long-term, the World Cup remains a non-negotiable ambition.
Toney seems convinced that being back in England, playing week in week out against top competition, will boost his chances of impressing Tuchel and earning a spot in the Three Lions squad.
Reports suggest that Tottenham is serious enough to have started formal negotiations with Toney’s camp. His willingness to compromise financially may increase the likelihood of a transfer.
Risks And Roadblocks
Even though Toney is ready to compromise, complications remain. Returning to the UK could cost him tens of millions over the course of his contract due to higher taxes.
Al Ahli reportedly paid £40 million to acquire him from Brentford, and a move back may require a substantial fee while convincing him to leave a long-term deal. His recent absence from the England setup suggests that a recall is not guaranteed. Additionally, performance will be crucial. Taking a pay cut is one thing; replicating his goal-scoring form in the Premier League is another.
What This Could Mean For England And The World Cup
A return to the Premier League would increase Toney’s visibility, putting him back on Tuchel’s radar. Offering to halve his wage would also demonstrate his ambition and seriousness about national team selection, potentially influencing public perception and the England staff.
For the Three Lions, having a proven goalscorer pushing for a spot ahead of the World Cup adds healthy competition within the squad. However, success is not guaranteed. He would need to perform consistently at the highest level to justify a recall, and any breakdown in negotiations with Al Ahli could leave him in a difficult position.
Final Thoughts
Ivan Toney is taking a bold gamble. By reportedly offering to halve his wage, he is signaling that his England ambitions outweigh financial gain.
The success of this strategy depends on whether Premier League suitors act quickly and whether Tuchel recognizes the risk he is willing to take. The coming months could define the trajectory of Toney’s career, both at the club level and on the international stage.
