Chelsea's Quiet Bombshell: Ivan Toney's Potential Move from Al-Ahli to the Premier League
2 octobre 2025
Chelsea eye Ivan Toney amid Al-Ahli links
Chelsea are reportedly weighing a move for Ivan Toney from Al-Ahli Jeddah, as the London club looks to bolster its attacking options in the coming months.
British daily Today cited assurances from the English outlet Indykaila, saying talks between Chelsea and the striker are advancing seriously with a potential deal by season’s end.
Toney reportedly wants to leave Al-Ahli at the end of the season, satisfied with what he has achieved so far, including two trophies—the AFC Champions League Elite and the Saudi Super Cup.
He remains a key asset for Germany-born coach Matthias Jaissle, even if the early part of this campaign has not been flawless for Asia’s champions.
Apart from Al-Ahli’s four-point slump in the opening four rounds of Roshen Pro League, the club endured a bitter shock when they exited the Intercontinental Cup early, losing at home to Egyptian side Pyramids, dashing hopes of a deep run.
Dreams aside, a potential reunion with England could be on the horizon, as Tony remains in the vocabulary of national team circles and, intriguingly, in the thoughts of England’s coach Thomas Tuchel, despite his recent move away from the Premier League.
Al-Ahli’s season: balancing duties and Tony’s future
Ivan Toney, 28, remains one of Al-Ahli’s standout signings in recent years, arriving from Brentford to add real firepower to Roshen’s attack.
Toney has long been regarded as one of the Premier League’s top strikers, combining physical strength with smart movement, a keen eye for half-chances, and proficiency from penalties and set pieces.
Since arriving, he helped form a dangerous trio with Riyad Mahrez and Galeno, adding variety to how Al-Ahli play, whether as a build‑up hub or as a direct goal threat in the box.
His presence has lifted goal rates and given the coach more flexibility to press high and switch tempo.
Additionally, the club faces the twin pressures of defending a continental title and competing across domestic duties, which demands smart rotation and careful energy management.
Overall, success will depend on balancing ambition with discipline, leveraging the squad’s depth to remain competitive at home and in Asia while avoiding avoidable slips.
Al-Ahli will also have to juggle domestic fixtures with a campaign in Asia’s elite competition, which can stretch their squad thin if injuries strike or if travel fatigue bites.
From a tactical viewpoint, Tony’s all‑around skill set— a blend of physique, pace, and precision—gives Jaissle multiple options, whether the target is a back‑to‑goal service, a hold‑up, or a cutback beat.
Yet the risk remains that European clubs return with tempting offers, complicating negotiations and potentially interrupting a promising chapter in the Saudi league.
As the saga unfolds, fans will watch not just for goals but for balance—no one wants a one‑man show in a squad that aspires to conquer both league and continent.
Sniper jokes to close: Tony’s finishing is so precise that even the net files a restraining order against the goalkeeper; if he signs for Chelsea, the only thing sharper than his footwork will be his agent’s negotiating quips. And if the move drags on, we’ll need a map and a walking stick for the transfer saga—this one might outlast a stadium tour.
