Credit: Imago

Tom Griffin

Fri 17 October 2025 19:01, UK

Ivan Toney has been linked with a return to the Premier League to give himself the best chance of being selected for England’s World Cup squad.

Toney joined Al-Ahli from Brentford for £40 million in 2024 after establishing himself as one of England’s finest strikers.

The 29-year-old scored 36 goals in 85 appearances for the Bees and has, unsurprisingly, continued his rich vein of scoring in Saudi Arabia with 38 in 54 matches.

But even though everyone in the Premier League knows about his quality, Toney is aware that remaining in the Middle East can dent his chances of being selected for the Three Lions’ World Cup squad.

That is why Toney could leave Al-Ahli on loan, and numerous clubs have shown an interest in his signature.

Callum Wilson once called Ivan Toney ‘unbelievable’

Football Insider has revealed that West Ham have placed Toney on their transfer radar, seeing him as a player who can fix their striker problems.

Injury-prone Niclas Fullkrug has struggled since joining from Borussia Dortmund in 2024; meanwhile, Callum Wilson has shown signs of decline following his free transfer switch.

Wilson, who has also suffered with injury troubles himself, has only scored once in five appearances and isn’t a long-term solution to the Hammers’ lack of goals.

So, supporters will be pleased to see that Toney could join the club in January, and Wilson once called him ‘unbelievable’ after being called up to the England squad in September 2022.

Speaking on The Footballer’s Football Podcast, the 33-year-old said of Toney: “The manager will definitely give him the opportunity to showcase his ability on that stage. He’s probably the most in-form English striker, so his selection in the squad is definitely merited.

“I watched his hat trick the other day, unbelievable. Obviously, he’s in my position, but I’m not a hater. He’s someone who has come through the leagues and had to ply their trade at different levels.

“There are people hungry for that spot, like myself. England have a good selection of players with new players still emerging.”

Toney’s incredible Premier League record

Aston Villa and Manchester United could rival West Ham for Toney, but it’s Nuno Espirito Santo’s men who need him the most.

As per Understat, the Hammers are third from bottom for expected goals (xG) this term (6.67) and joint-18th for goals scored (6).

A relegation battle could be on the cards if they don’t improve on those numbers, but after becoming a goal machine for Brentford, Toney would certainly resolve their issues.

Toney was suspended from football altogether for half of the 2023/24 campaign for breaking FA betting rules; however, the forward did fire double figures in his first two seasons.

The Englishman could become Nuno’s talisman at West Ham, just like Chris Wood was at Nottingham Forest.