Tottenham’s January Spark? Will Toni’s Saudi Brilliance Make the London Move?

Toni at the Crossroads: Spurs in January Spotlight

Ivan Toni, the English forward at Al-Ahli, has become the center of ongoing transfer rumors regarding his future with the Saudi club, even as he posts a productive start to the season and Al-Ahli publicly affirm his stay.

Since arriving from Brentford last summer, Toni has shown quality in Al-Ahli’s colors, but his form could create a headache for the club, which now faces the task of keeping a player who has not lost his international status despite moving from the Premier League and its distractions.

Transfer Talk: Tottenham’s Interest

A British outlet reported that Tottenham are specifically weighing a January deal for the forward.

The report suggests the London club aims to target two objectives: give Toni more minutes to demonstrate his ability and secure his place in Gareth Southgate’s England squad ahead of the 2026 World Cup, while also finding a fresh attacking option for the squad.

Tottenham are said to be missing their first-choice striker Dominic Solanke since August due to injury, while the club did not benefit from signing Randal Kolo Muani so far; Mathias Tel has scored twice in seven matches.

Toni, 29, already has a rich scoring record with Al-Ahli, registering 41 goals in 59 appearances and helping his side win the Elite AFC Champions League for the first time in the club’s history.

Still, the report notes Al-Ahli are fighting to keep a player who is a key piece in coach Matthias Jaissle’s attack, while Toni himself is pushing for a potential return to the Premier League, despite previously expressing contentment in Saudi Arabia.

Season of Challenges and the Derby Looms

The current campaign has presented major challenges for Al-Ahli, a club that won the Elite AFC Champions League for the first time and captured the Saudi Super Cup before the season, and now must maintain a similar level of competitiveness in the league this term.

The side has not suffered a league defeat this season but has produced uneven performances and dropped eight points in seven rounds through four draws.

They are preparing for a heavyweight clash in the Jeddah Derby against rivals Al-Ittihad, the league champions, who despite a rocky start are gradually regaining form under Portuguese coach Sergio Conceicao.

Anticipated Derby and Historical Context

Fans in Saudi Arabia will gather at the Al-Enma Stadium to watch the Jeddah Derby on the upcoming Saturday as Al-Ahli meets Al-Ittihad in Round 8 of the Saudi Pro League.

The derby carries a special meaning as its 100th edition in league play, extending a historic rivalry that ranks among the Arab world’s most storied clashes.

In head-to-head terms, Al-Ittihad holds 33 wins to Al-Ahli’s 32, with 34 draws; the teams have clashed since 1938, including cup finals since the 1950s. The league’s centennial meeting adds extra spice to this season’s encounters.

Looking at recent form, Al-Ahli sit sixth with 13 points (3 wins, 4 draws, 0 losses) and nine goals scored, five conceded; Al-Ittihad sit eighth with 11 points (3 wins, 2 draws, 3 losses).

Matches between the two sides have long been about more than three points; they form a chapter in a long-running saga that still has room for more headlines and drama.

And now for a couple of light, sniper-style punchlines to close the segment:
Punchline 1: If rumors counted as goals, Toni would already be lifting the Premier League trophy of headlines.
Punchline 2: In football and gossip alike, sometimes you shoot, sometimes you just thread the needle of a headline and hope it scores.