Aston Villa's hopes of signing striker Ivan Toney in the January transfer window have been dealt a significant blow, with fresh reports indicating the former Brentford star is set to remain in Saudi Arabia.
Villa's Striker Search Hits a Snag
Unai Emery had identified bolstering his forward line as a key priority for the winter market. Despite Ollie Watkins finding form with a first-half double in the midweek victory at Brighton, the manager is keen to add competition and depth, especially with Villa competing on domestic and Europa League fronts.
The club had been linked with a move for Ivan Toney, who currently plays for Al-Ahli in the Saudi Pro League. The 29-year-old Englishman has been prolific in the Middle East, scoring 42 goals in 62 matches and winning the AFC Champions League Elite in the 2024/25 season.
Financial Reality Scuppers Potential Deal
However, according to a report from Football Insider, a January transfer now appears highly improbable. The primary obstacle is financial. The report states that Toney is "unlikely to take a pay cut" to facilitate a return to the Premier League, with Aston Villa unable to match the lucrative wages he earns in Saudi Arabia.
This development is a setback not only for Villa but also for other reported suitors like Everton. Toney, who is in his prime at 29, harbours ambitions of making England's squad for the 2026 World Cup in the US, Canada, and Mexico, but may now have to achieve that goal from his current base.
Expert Insight and Alternative Targets
Former Manchester United chief scout Mick Brown commented on the situation, telling Football Insider: "I'm told he was one Aston Villa were going to look at. There are question marks now about whether he wants to leave Saudi Arabia, because he's getting paid a lot of money over there and he wouldn't get that at Villa."
Brown added, "Everton and Villa were the two clubs who were really having a look at him, but now they're going to have to look elsewhere it seems." This shift in focus could see Villa turn their attention to other targets, with current Brentford striker Igor Thiago mentioned as a potential alternative for the January window.
With the Toney deal looking increasingly unlikely, Villa's recruitment team, led by Emery, must now pivot their strategy as they aim to strengthen their squad for a demanding second half of the season.
