When the England squad reported to the media center of the Football Association in Germany during the summer of 2024, all players were wearing official sponsored footwear except for Ivan Toney. He opted to wear his favorite slippers from home, anticipating long hours of wear. Although Gareth Southgate did not feature Toney much during the Euro group stage matches, Toney made a significant impact in the later rounds.
Despite limited playing time for England, Toney was instrumental in key moments, providing an assist for Harry Kane’s goal against Slovakia and scoring a penalty in the shootout against Switzerland. However, Toney’s overall experience with the national team has been frustrating and unsatisfactory, reflecting his sparse international appearances despite his talent.
At 29 years old, Toney has played less than three hours of international football, raising concerns given his striking abilities and the limited alternatives to Kane. His lack of opportunities under Southgate mirrors his current situation with Thomas Tuchel, who has shown little faith in Toney during his brief stints in the squad.
Toney’s impressive performance in the Saudi Pro League, where he has scored 41 goals in 59 games, seems overlooked by both the England manager and Tuchel. To secure a spot in the upcoming World Cup, Toney may need to return to the Premier League from Saudi Arabia and showcase his skills in the latter part of the season.
While Toney may be content with his current situation in Saudi Arabia, several Premier League clubs, including Everton, are likely to pursue him in the upcoming transfer window. Everton, under David Moyes, could be an ideal fit for Toney, given Moyes’ admiration for the player and Everton’s need for a prolific striker.
With Everton’s ambitious ownership and a team on the rise, Toney could find a suitable platform to excel. The potential partnership between Toney and Moyes at Everton could provide the goalscoring threat the team currently lacks. Considering Toney’s track record and goal-scoring ability, he could be a valuable asset for any Premier League club, potentially catching the attention of Tuchel and other top managers.
As Toney approaches his 30th birthday, securing a multi-year contract would be crucial for his future. While some may view a long-term deal at his age as a risk, Toney’s consistent goal-scoring record suggests otherwise. Ultimately, the club that demonstrates the most interest and offers a compelling contract may sway Toney’s decision.
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