Ivan Toney’s surprising move to Saudi club Al Ahli on transfer deadline day left many football fans speculating about his motives.

While many might assume that the striker’s decision was purely financially driven — with the promise of a lucrative £350,000-a-week contract — the reality is more nuanced.

Toney, who impressed for England at Euro 2024, found himself at the centre of a transfer saga this summer.

Brentford, resigned to losing their star player as he entered the final 12 months of his contract, accepted a £40 million bid from Al Ahli.

Despite strong links to several Premier League giants, including Chelsea, Arsenal, and Manchester United, none were able to present a concrete offer to rival the Saudi Pro League side.

Chelsea, the club most heavily linked with Toney, were focused on securing a deal for Napoli striker Victor Osimhen. Ultimately, their pursuit of Osimhen was unsuccessful, but their preoccupation with that transfer meant they did not make a last-minute bid for Toney.

Arsenal showed interest but were unwilling to meet the financial terms of the deal, preferring to trust their existing forward options. Meanwhile, Manchester United had earlier discussions with Toney’s representatives but were deterred by his price tag, especially after their recent investment in Danish international Rasmus Hojlund.

According to reports from Sky Sports, Al Ahli’s move was not met with any “serious attempts” from other clubs to hijack the deal on deadline day, leaving Toney with a straightforward choice.

Despite the perception that Toney’s decision might jeopardise his England prospects, the lack of concrete offers from Premier League clubs played a significant role in his decision to move to Saudi Arabia.

For Toney, joining Al Ahli was not just about the money — it was also a matter of career progression and finding a club that truly wanted him.

As he prepares to compete alongside some of the world’s biggest names, such as Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema, and Neymar, Toney embarks on a new chapter that offers both financial security and a fresh challenge in a growing football market.