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Ivan Toney would be an upgrade on Tottenham’s current strike force. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)

Tottenham to be priced out of January move for English star; wages a sore point

Originally posted on To The Lane And Back
By Rohan Sengupta | Last updated Oct 24, 2025 6:52 PM ET

Tottenham Hotspur could struggle financially to sign Al Ahli striker Ivan Toney in the January transfer window

Tottenham Hotspur fans received some positive news earlier this month when it was revealed that the Lewis family trust via ENIC has injected £100million of new capital into the north London club. With the Lilywhites already looking to bolster the squad when the transfer window reopens in January, Thomas Frank will be hoping to use these funds on new signings.

The Europa League winners have been dull and unimaginative in the attacking areas of the pitch, failing to unlock opposition defences with regularity. They have also struggled for goals, with Richarlison going off colour after a bright start to the season. Randal Kolo Muani has not got much chances to make an impact, while Dominic Solanke remains out following a minor ankle surgery.

This has led to Tottenham scouring the market for a new striker. Several names have been linked in recent weeks, as Frank eyes new attacking recruits to try and compete for the highest honours.

Spurs have shown an interest in signing Al Ahli striker Ivan Toney. Adding fuel to the speculation, Frank recently did not rule out the possibility of reuniting with the English centre-forward, admitting that he would add so much value to his team due to his proven goal-scoring record and experience.

Tottenham could struggle to sign Ivan Toney due to hefty wages

As per recent reports, Tottenham are preparing a €60 million offer for Toney as they look to bring him to England from Saudi Arabia in the winter transfer window.

Toney has been a smash hit for Al Ahli since moving from Brentford in 2024, scoring goals left, right and centre. He scored 30 goals last season in all competitions and has been on fire this term. The England international and Frank shared a great working relationship at Brentford, and a possible reunion may be crucial to persuading him to leave Saudi Arabia in the New Year.

However, Football Insider transfer correspondent Pete O’Rourke feels Spurs could face obstacles while signing Toney. The main setback is expected to come from his hefty wages that he earns at Al Ahli.

“Well, yeah, obviously you’ve got the Tottenham link, Thomas Frank and Ivan Toney from before,” Pete O’Rourke said on the Inside Track Podcast.

“They had great success together at Brentford. Tottenham [are] being linked with a number of strikers as it does seem that they might want to bring in a new number nine in January.

“The problem with Ivan Toney is it’s not an easy deal to do for various reasons. He’s on huge wages over there in the Saudi Pro League, so Tottenham wouldn’t be able to offer him the money that he’s earning out there in the Saudi Pro League.”

Ivan Toney would be an upgrade on Tottenham’s current strike force. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)

Toney must take a pay cut to join Tottenham

Tottenham desperately need a new reliable goalscorer, and Toney would be a good choice. At 29, he is at the peak of his powers and would make an instant impact at White Hart Lane if brought in. Given his eye-watering wages in Saudi Arabia, Spurs would not be able to meet his monetary demands which potentially may foil a transfer.

If Toney is eyeing a return to the Premier League and remains keen to working with Frank again, he’d have to take a high wage cut to enable a deal to happen. The Lilywhites are understood to be preparing a €60 million offer for him, and if we are to believe that, it shows their concrete interest in him. But Toney too has to contribute from his end to return to the Premier League next year.

This article first appeared on To The Lane And Back and was syndicated with permission.

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