Premier League giants Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea have been handed a significant transfer blow in their pursuit of striker Ivan Toney, with a proposed January loan move now appearing highly unlikely due to restrictive Saudi Arabian tax regulations.
Major Setback for London Clubs
Both Spurs and Chelsea had identified the former Brentford forward as a prime target to address their respective injury crises up front. It had been reported that several English top-flight clubs, including West Ham United and Everton, had initiated enquiries with Toney's current club, Al-Ahli, regarding a short-term deal.
The 29-year-old has been in impressive form in Saudi Arabia, netting 11 goals in just 15 appearances this season. With a total of 36 Premier League goals to his name from his time with Brentford, he was viewed as a proven source of firepower for the second half of the campaign.
Financial Hurdles Prove Insurmountable
However, a fresh update from talkSPORT has revealed a critical obstacle. According to their sources, Saudi tax rules would force Toney to accept a massive financial loss to facilitate a temporary return to England. This economic reality has effectively scuppered any potential loan agreement.
Furthermore, sources close to the player have conceded that even a successful move back to the Premier League would not guarantee him a spot in Thomas Tuchel's England squad for the upcoming World Cup, diminishing a key motivational factor for the striker.
Perfect Fit That Never Was
The potential transfer had seemed a particularly natural fit for Tottenham. Manager Thomas Frank, who worked with Toney at Brentford, previously lauded him as a 'top international' striker due to his all-round abilities. This existing relationship had positioned Spurs as potential frontrunners for his signature.
Spurs' need for a striker is acute, with Dominic Solanke injured, Richarlison struggling for form, and loanee Randal Kolo Muani picking up a fresh injury against Manchester United. Former Tottenham player David Bentley had even publicly stated that a move to reunite with Frank at Spurs would be 'perfect' for Toney's ambitions to break into the England squad.
Despite the logical fit and clear need from both London clubs, the financial complexities imposed by Saudi law have ultimately put a premature end to any January deal, forcing Tottenham and Chelsea to look elsewhere for attacking reinforcements.
