England star Ivan Toney reacts to message from ex-Man City ace Riyad Mahrez
England striker Ivan Toney and former Manchester City winger Riyad Mahrez are vying for a successful campaign with Al Ahli.
The former Premier League duo helped the Saudi Pro League side win the Asian Champions League last season.
Toney got himself back into England contention by scoring 30 goals in 44 appearances across all competitions, but featured for just two minutes as the Three Lions lost 3-1 to Senegal on 10 June, having been named as an unused substitute during an unconvincing 1-0 win over Andorra.
Meanwhile, Mahrez enjoyed a similarly successful season last term, notching 17 goals and 19 assists in 45 outings.
Toney reacts as Mahrez shares Al Ahli message
Mahrez and Toney will be keen to help Matthias Jaissle’s men win their first Saudi Pro League title since 2016.
Meanwhile, the former Manchester City star shared photos of himself training with Al Ahli via Instagram on Thursday, 17 July, captioned: “We are back” alongside a green heart emoji.
The 34-year-old’s message received a like from Al Ahli teammate Toney.
Toney must be given more minutes for England in September
Football Insider verdict
Toney’s inclusion in Thomas Tuchel’s most recent England squad suggests that the manager is still unsure of his best backup option to Harry Kane.
| Ivan Toney stats | All competitions 2024/25 |
| Appearances | 44 |
| Goals | 30 |
| Assists | 5 |
However, the German did not give the former Brentford man a fair opportunity by leaving him on the bench in England’s poor showing against Andorra.
The Three Lions also lacked their usual attacking quality when they were beaten by Senegal at Nottingham Forest’s City Ground last month.
Despite that, though, Toney was handed just two minutes against Pape Thiaw’s men, which was not enough time to make an impact on the game.
Therefore, if Tuchel remains intent on seeing what the former Brentford hotshot can do in England colours, he must hand him more playing opportunities when the Three Lions face Andorra and Serbia in September.
Tuchel’s side will be under particular scrutiny when they take on Andorra at home, thanks to their poor showing in Barcelona on 7 June.