Ivan Toney to make sensational Newcastle return after new manager update - verdict
Ivan Toney may finally be given another chance to prove himself in a Newcastle United shirt following Eddie Howe's departure.
The England international made just four first-team appearances in between loan spells at Barnsley, Shrewsbury Town, Scunthorpe United and Wigan Athletic.
His career was stalling until joining Peterborough United permanently in August 2018, where he went on to score 49 goals in 94 appearances.
It was his move to Brentford that really put him on the map, however. Alongside Bryan Mbeumo and Yoane Wissa, he was a force to be reckoned with.
Clubs from all over Europe were keeping tabs, with Manchester United, Arsenal and Chelsea, but chose the money over in Saudi Arabia, joining Al Ahli on a £40million deal.
In just two seasons, Toney has racked up 72 goals and 16 assists in 93 games, and becoming a key figure for head boss Matthias Jaissle.
Matthias Jassle emerges as favourite to replace Eddie Howe
Despite clearly loving life in the Saudi Pro League, the centre-forward continues to be linked with a Premier League return, and now it could be on the cards.
His current manager, Jaissle, is expected to take over from Eddie Howe, who has stepped down from his role at St James' Park.
After finishing 12th in the Premier League last season, the Magpies are in desperate need of change, especially after the exits of Sandro Tonali, Anthony Gordon and potentially Bruno Guimaraes.
No Newcastle player hit double-digits for Premier League goals last season, and that should be seen as a huge problem for Jaissle if he is appointed.
Toney could be a very simple fix, and given his relationship with Newcastle's top target for the dugout, it shouldn't be ruled out.
Ivan Toney's previous comments on Newcastle United exit say it all
Toney's time as a Newcastle player was certainly disappointing, but his past might encourage him to prove himself in the north east finally.
In 2022, Toney said: "I felt like ‘you got rid of me, I’m going to show you what I’m capable of when I get the chance, whether it’s a Premier League side – or a League One side’.
“There are no hard feelings, you just have got to get on with it. They have done what they had to do."
A deal is unlikely to come cheap for the Premier League side, but it might be essential, given the club's struggles and complete lack of experienced options.