When the England squad assembled at the Football Association’s media center in Germany during the summer of 2024, all the players wore official sponsored footwear except Ivan Toney. Toney opted for his favorite slippers, anticipating spending extended periods in them. Despite his minimal involvement in England’s Euro group stage matches, Toney made a notable impact later on, providing an assist for Harry Kane’s crucial goal against Slovakia and scoring a penalty in the shootout victory over Switzerland.
Despite his talent and the scarcity of alternatives to Kane, Toney has seen limited playing time for the national team, having played less than three hours of international football at the age of 29. This lack of faith in Toney is evident not only from Gareth Southgate but also from Thomas Tuchel, who has similarly underutilized him. Toney’s impressive performance in the Saudi Pro League, with a remarkable record of 41 goals in 59 games, has seemingly not garnered sufficient recognition from England’s management.
The potential for Toney to secure a spot in the upcoming World Cup squad may hinge on his return to the Premier League and a strong performance in the second half of the season. However, Toney’s financial stability, contract until 2028, and enjoyment of playing in Saudi Arabia may deter him from pursuing a move back to England, especially with a reported weekly salary of £400,000.
Despite the uncertainties surrounding his international career, several Premier League clubs, including Everton, are likely to express interest in Toney during the mid-season transfer window. Everton, under the guidance of David Moyes, could provide an ideal environment for Toney to thrive, given Moyes’ high regard for the player and Everton’s need for a prominent striker.
With Everton showing ambition under new ownership and boasting players like Jack Grealish and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, Toney could find a conducive environment to showcase his goal-scoring prowess. The potential synergy between Toney and Everton’s setup, coupled with the club’s upward trajectory, makes it an attractive destination for the experienced striker.
As Toney approaches his thirties, securing a long-term contract that aligns with his performance expectations will be crucial. While a lucrative deal at his age may present some risks, Toney’s proven goal-scoring ability could make him a valuable asset for any Premier League club, potentially catching the attention of managers like Tuchel who have previously overlooked him.
Sky has unveiled a discounted Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle ahead of the 2025/26 season, offering substantial savings and an expanded coverage of live matches, including over 1,400 games across the Premier League and EFL. The increased number of live Premier League matches on Sky for the upcoming season signifies a significant boost for football enthusiasts.
Andy Dunn is the chief sports writer at the Mirror.
Join our new WhatsApp community to stay updated with the latest Mirror Football content and receive exclusive offers and promotions. You can also explore our Privacy Notice for more information.
