LONDON — Al Ahli have secured the high-profile signing of England international Ivan Toney from Premier League side Brentford, with the striker agreeing to a contract that runs until 2028. Toney, 28, brings significant firepower to an Al Ahli attack already featuring stars like Roberto Firmino, Riyad Mahrez, and Feras Al Buraikan. Managed by Matthias Jaissle, the Jeddah club, who finished third in last season's Roshn Saudi League, have started the 2024-25 campaign with one win and one defeat from their opening two matches. Al Ahli will hope Toney replicates his impressive form from the 2022-23 Premier League season, where he scored 20 goals, finishing third in the league's scoring charts behind Harry Kane and Erling Haaland. In total, Toney netted 69 times in 128 league appearances for Brentford. The striker, who has previously played for clubs such as Newcastle United, Wigan Athletic, and Peterborough United, made his England debut in March 2023. He scored his first international goal a year later and played a key role in Gareth Southgate's squad at UEFA Euro 2024 in Germany. Toney assisted Harry Kane's winner in the last-16 match against Slovakia and scored in the penalty shootout victory over Switzerland to help England secure a place in the semi-finals. Brentford manager Thomas Frank praised Toney's impact during his time at the club, saying: "It's been a pleasure to work with Ivan over the last four years. He has averaged more than one goal every two games, which is an unbelievable number. On the pitch, he has been a fantastic goalscorer, link-up player, and leader. Ivan leaves as a Brentford legend." Toney is expected to make his debut for Al Ahli when the RSL resumes on September 13 in a highly anticipated clash against Cristiano Ronaldo's Al Nassr at Al Awwal Park.
