Ivan Tony’s Al-Ahli Jeddah Dilemma: Stay Put or Chase a New Challenge?

Tony’s Future in the Spotlight

Saudi outlets flag Ivan Tony’s possible fate with Al-Ahli Jeddah as speculation swirls about whether the English international will remain with the club or seek another challenge. Tony’s influence is clear: he helped lift the club to new heights last season, contributing to the team’s AFC Champions League Elite triumph and the Saudi Super Cup before this season’s start, and his name remains at the center of ongoing discussions around the squad’s direction.

The Saudi press The Today cites close sources indicating that Tony’s priority is to stay with Al-Ahli in the near term, despite rumors that may tempt him elsewhere. Coaches and fans alike are watching closely as the summer window closed without a high-profile center-forward signing, with coach Matthias Jaissle keeping faith in Tony as a mainstay and, at times, looking to Feras Al-Breekan to contribute in wide or alternate roles.

Tony arrived at Al-Ahli in the summer previous year from Brentford, at the age of 29, having provided a tally of 57 appearances with 39 goals and 8 assists across competitions. His crime? Scoring goals and bringing balance to the frontline as the team sought consistency in a league that has not always rewarded patience.

Despite a rocky start to the Roshen League campaign, Tony has maintained a strong personal yield, with 9 goals in 13 appearances and two assists across all competitions. That production lends weight to the argument that he remains a pivotal figure in Jaissle’s plans, even as doubts linger about the broader project and squad stability into the coming months.

Beyond Tony, the biggest talking point centers on the ripples around star players whose futures might be affected by collective and financial pressures. Brazilian defender Roger Ibanez, Turkish center-back Merih Demiral, and Ivorian midfielder Franck Kessi sit among the names neighbors are watching, as questions about contract length, playing time, and strategic direction loom large.

Future of Ibanez

Ibanez has been a beacon of hope for Al-Ahli amid a rough spell, and reports from The Athletic-tinged coverage describe him nearing a return after an ankle or knee issue, with medicals to determine readiness for the King’s Cup Round of 16 clash against Al-Batin. Upon completion of the medicals, the report will be shared with Jaissle to finalize his involvement in the next fixture. He has progressed from the latest setback and resumed training, though the manager remains cautious to ensure complete readiness before reintroducing him into match action.

Ibanez’s comeback would bring a much-needed spark to a side facing criticism for domestic results and inconsistent performances. The piece notes that he has not featured in recent group sessions since returning from a break, and his condition will dictate whether he lines up against opponents in coming weeks. The-Roma-born defender’s return is viewed as a potential turning point in the team’s fortunes and a relief to a defense that has contended with injuries lately.

In the meantime, Jaissle has rotated in Saudi defender Ryan Hamid alongside Merih Demiral to fill Ibanez’s absence in matchups against Shabab, Gharafa and Al-Najma, with Hamid subsequently picking up an injury that forced additional tweaks— Mohamed Suleiman Bakr was brought on to cover the gap, and the midfielder has impressed enough to win a nod with the national team call-ups in the run toward a World Cup berth. Suleiman Bakr’s form has been a bright spot for the club, as he has become a rising figure since being promoted to the first team in 2023 and contributing in Asia’s elite competitions as well as league play.

Bakr’s international duties in June have seen him earn caps, and his continued development has helped ease some of the pressure on a squad that has faced both injuries and inconsistency. His rising trajectory—six league appearances this season with a first goal in the AFC Champions League Elite—has learners across the board feeling optimistic about Al-Ahli’s depth behind Tony and in attack as the season unfolds.

Two punchlines, because even football gossip needs a knee-slapping moment: First, if Tony stays, Al-Ahli might need a bigger trophy cabinet—or at least a longer trophy shelf. Second, when in doubt, blame it on the transfer window—rumors travel faster than counterattacks, and the popcorn in the stands tastes better when the storyline keeps fans engaged.