Ivan Toney is unlikely to transfer to the Premier League in January due to the massive tax bill he could be hit by when returning to the UK.
Plenty of clubs have been linked with a move for the England international.
Former Brentford striker Toney completed a Saudi Pro League move last summer, joining Al-Ahli in a deal worth £40million.
But with next summer’s World Cup drawing closer, reports have suggested he may be eyeing a return to the Premier League in January.
However, there’s one massive reason he is unlikely to leave Saudi any time soon.
If he did come back to the UK, he would have to give up a huge chunk of his salary to tax.
Ivan Toney Premier League Transfer Would Come With Huge Tax Bill
At Al-Ahli, Toney is reported to earn around £400,00 per week, rising to £500,000 if certain bonus targets are met.
This makes him one of the highest paid English footballers in the world.
His four-year contract sees him take home more than £20m per year.
Ivan Toney x2
An unforgettable trip to Manchester City on this day in 2022 🤩pic.twitter.com/UdC2qLH9Qv
— Brentford FC (@BrentfordFC) November 12, 2025
But he would need to earn double that in the UK to pocket the same figure after tax.
That’s because Saudi Pro League players have a 0% income tax rate on their earnings in Saudi Arabia.
The tax-free status is a major draw for players, allowing them to keep all of their lucrative salaries.
If Toney returned to the Premier League on the same wages, his £20.8 million annual salary would be reduced to £11 million after income tax and National Insurance contributions were deducted.
With three years left to run on his four-year contract with Al-Ahli, Toney would be giving up around £30 million in taxes over the next few years.
Ivan Toney Transfer Rumours See Star Linked With Numerous Clubs
Despite the enormous tax bill that lies in wait for Ivan Toney, clubs remain interested.
It’s hard to put a price on playing for one’s country – though £30 million is a hefty fee.
Toney will know that the Premier League is his best opportunity to earn a recall to the England squad.
A possible Premier League return for Ivan Toney? 👀 pic.twitter.com/IFbdddpY0L
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) November 11, 2025
As a result, he has attracted the attention of a number of teams.
Everton, Tottenham and Manchester United have all been rumoured as potential destinations.
While on paper it would be no surprise to see West Ham try to tempt him in on loan as they look to offload Niclas Fullkrug.
However, Toney’s massive wage demands would be a stumbling block.
Al-Ahli would also demand a massive fee, given he has three years left on his current deal.
Toney has scored 41 times in 59 games for Al-Ahli, and netted 36 in 85 Premier League appearances at Brentford.
