Leeds United get shock Ivan Toney January update as situation changes again…

Leeds United receive a surprising update regarding Ivan Toney as his situation evolves once more.

Leeds United is one of the clubs associated with Ivan Toney as the winter transfer window approaches. However, his transfer circumstances in Saudi Arabia have changed.

Toney is reportedly eager to return to the Premier League in January to enhance his chances of being included in Thomas Tuchel’s England squad for the World Cup.

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He has established himself as a reliable goalscorer in the Premier League, and it is anticipated that clubs will be eager to acquire the former Brentford striker during the January transfer window.

Leeds is among the teams considering the possibility of signing him. Nevertheless, Toney’s situation has altered with only a few weeks remaining before the January window opens.

Ivan Toney may not make a return to England despite links to Leeds United.

Toney has been part of the England squad only once since his move to Saudi Arabia, and his chances of selection are slim if he continues with Al-Ahli in the latter half of the season.

He has remained highly productive since moving to Saudi Arabia. However, a return to the Premier League could reignite his hopes of making the World Cup squad.

Ivan Toney — 2025/26 Season at Al-Ahli

Competition Matches Goals Assists

Saudi Pro League 8 5 0

AFC Champions League 4 0 1

King’s Cup 3 5 1

Saudi Super Cup 2 1 0

FIFA Intercontinental Cup 1 1 0

Total 18 12 2

Nonetheless, journalist Ben Jacobs has emphasized that Al-Ahli is reluctant to part with him, and the forward is also comfortable in the Middle East.

He further noted that a significant tax obligation is likely to hinder any prospects of the striker returning to England during the January transfer window.

Jacobs mentioned on talkSPORT: “I’m sensing that the idea of a Saudi exit in January is being downplayed.

“We know that Tottenham, due to the connection with Thomas Frank, and West Ham United are two clubs that definitely maintain an interest in Ivan Toney if he becomes truly available.

“However, Al Ahli does not wish to let him go, and Toney continues to express that he feels settled in Saudi Arabia.

“If he returns to England specifically, he will also face a significant tax bill.

“Therefore, I believe a January departure for Ivan Toney is improbable, but we will see what unfolds in the summer, as the tax consequences will be somewhat more favorable by then.

“The system requires that you remain for two tax years, so once Ivan Toney reaches April and enters the new tax year, he will be in a much better position if he considers a return to the Premier League.”

Toney was always going to be too costly for Leeds.

A transfer for Toney was always going to be financially unfeasible for Leeds, considering his substantial wages in Saudi Arabia. He earns a salary that can reach up to £540,000 per week, including bonuses.

Toney would certainly need to agree to a pay reduction to join any of his Premier League interested parties. However, even with a salary decrease, his expectations might still be excessive.

The former Brentford striker would have been a perfect fit for Leeds, as he is a proven goalscorer in the Premier League and is still very much in the prime of his career.

Nevertheless, it appears that Toney will remain in Saudi Arabia, and Leeds will now explore more feasible options to strengthen their squad in January.