England star’s World Cup dream in the balance over tax issue

Robin Bairner

12 Nov 2025 13:29 GMT
4 min read

England striker Ivan Toney has been dealt a major blow to his hopes of appearing at the 2026 World Cup due to tax issues.

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Toney has become something of a forgotten man in his homeland after completing a €42 million move to Saudi Pro League side Al-Ahli in the summer of 2024. Although he has been prolific for his new club, the decision to move to the Middle East appears to have cost him his international place.

He made the switch despite interest from numerous big Premier League sides, and even in recent weeks, there have been claims that he might have made a move back to England. Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur have been particularly interested in snapping up the former Brentford striker.

Current ETV

Ivan Toney

F (C)

Al Ahli

Ivan Toney

F (C)

Al Ahli

ETV Range

€19.8M - €24.2M

Toney has been largely ignored by new England boss Thomas Tuchel, who has not selected him since defeat to Senegal last June. A prospective move back to the Premier League appeared largely motivated by the possibility of playing at the World Cup.

It has emerged that a January deal is unlikely, with TalkSport revealing that tax issues are at the heart of the 29-year-old’s decision to remain in Saudi Arabia.

© IMAGO - Ivan Toney on England duty, 2024

Toney unwilling to take financial gamble

“Saudi tax rules mean the 29-year-old would have to take a massive financial hit to leave Al-Ahli having only joined in the summer of 2024,” it is claimed.

For the striker, the gamble of giving up a lucrative salary appears too great.

“Sources close to Toney also acknowledge he is unlikely to force his way into England boss Thomas Tuchel’s World Cup plans even if he is playing in the Premier League,” the report goes on to explain.

Barring injury, Bayern Munich striker Harry Kane will spearhead England’s attack at the World Cup, with Marcus Rashford apparently next in line for the No.9 role with the Three Lions after a strong season on loan at Barcelona.

Toney would also have to battle past the likes of Ollie Watkins and Dominic Solanke to make England’s World Cup squad, but it seems like he has already given up on that dream.

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