Everton must be on red alert for Ivan Toney deal as patience thin amid Saudi Pro League accusation
Everton should be watching Ivan Toney’s growing frustration in the Saudi Pro League extremely closely ahead of this summer’s transfer window.
The league has become embroiled in a scandal amid suggestions that the governing bodies are trying to ensure that Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr lift the title at the end of the campaign, which is now just seven games away.
Toney’s Al-Ahli are one of two teams that are trying to hunt down Ronaldo’s side at the top of the table, and he made clear accusations towards the refereeing in the aftermath of his team’s 1-1 draw with Al-Fayha on Wednesday.
The 30-year-old suggested that the referee of that clash had told him to “focus on the Asian Champions League” during the game, which he felt was a clear indication that his team are not likely to win the domestic honour.
Toney was heavily linked with a return to the Premier League ahead of the recent January window, and he could yet become part of Everton’s transfer plans this summer.
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Everton were one of several clubs who were heavily linked with a move to bring Toney back to England earlier in the campaign, with the likes of Tottenham and Aston Villa also keen to strike a deal.
The links ultimately never came close to being materialised on that occasion, but it could be a totally different story this summer if the interest is still there.
| Stats | Toney Totals |
| Apps | 27 |
| Goals | 27 |
| xG | 23.1 |
| Big Chances Missed | 15 |
| Conversion Rate | 34.6% |
Toney delivered an explosive post-match interview following his team’s draw in midweek, and it is clear that his patience with the Saudi Pro League as a whole is beginning to wear thin.
The frontman was asked during the interview who he feels is benefiting from the perceived unfair decisions, and he was quick to suggest that it is Al-Nassr who stand to gain, while also noting that the referee’s mind was “elsewhere” in midweek.
The public airing of the former Brentford man’s frustrations should be enough to have Everton on red alert ahead of the summer window.
Toney is clearly frustrated with the footballing authorities in the Middle East, and he may finally be ready to return to familiar ground in the Premier League.
David Moyes and Co. must ensure that they are in a position to try and tempt him with an offer to do so this summer, as he would be the perfect solution to their striker issues.
Toney could be ready for Saudi U-turn
Football Insider revealed back in November that Toney was “happy” in Saudi Arabia, but the perceived injustice that his team are experiencing at the moment could certainly have changed that.
The anger in his interview was clear to see, and that could potentially drive him towards the exit door this summer, knowing that none of the top European leagues are facing such accusations at the moment.
The financial intricacies surrounding a potential return to England served as a major caveat to the possibility of any deal being struck during the winter window, but he may now be ready to forfeit the necessary cash in order to return.
If the current situation does prove enough to force the former England international to take a U-turn in his stance this summer, then Everton must ensure that they are in a position to reignite their interest.
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