Report: Tottenham Hotspur ‘open’ to signing former Premier League striker
Tottenham considering move for Ivan Toney as January window approaches
Tottenham’s search for a breakthrough striker has gathered pace and with a second major source now confirming their reports, the prospect of Ivan Toney returning to the Premier League in January has gained momentum. The club’s current offensive return, or lack thereof, highlights why such a move is being explored with urgency.
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The Spurs operate without a clear focal point. Their top scorer so far is central defender Micky van de Ven with six goals in all competitions, a statistic which speaks volumes about the imbalance in their attacking line. Randal Kolo Muani has yet to find the net on loan, Dominic Solanke is hampered by an ankle problem, Mathys Tel remains raw and Richarlison continues to fluctuate.
TEAMtalk revealed earlier this week that Thomas Frank had previously held direct talks with Toney, a detail later picked up by talkSPORT. As the report states, Frank would be willing to bring him back to the Premier League and the player is receptive. The Spurs, according to TEAMtalk sources, are currently leading the race.
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Toney Dynamics and the gripping Tottenham puzzle
The most favorable view came from talkSPORT chief reporter Alex Crook, who told the station: “I keep coming back to Ivan Toney for Tottenham. You look at what he’s done with Thomas Frank at Brentford. I think he’d like to come back to the Premier League, obviously financially it might be a tough deal, but it seems perfect to me for Spurs in January or next summer.”
Toney scored 20 Premier League goals in his final season under Frank at Brentford, a period which showcased his power, movement and penalty instincts. His move to Al Ahli in the summer of 2024 offered him financial benefits, but the drop in competition has clearly had an impact on his international prospects. His omission from Thomas Tuchel’s last England team is an important detail. Spurs will know that Toney has a strong incentive to return to England if he is to secure a World Cup place.
Market realities and viable routes
TEAMtalk sources have indicated that Spurs view Toney as the ideal short-term solution, although a permanent move mid-season is unlikely. A January fee of £30m has discouraged buyers and the structure of his Saudi contract makes any early termination difficult due to a significant tax liability.
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The most credible deal is a loan or loan with obligation to buy, a structure that protects Al Ahli’s investment while giving Spurs the opportunity to bring in an established striker. It also helps Tottenham prepare for potential exits, particularly Richarlison, who faces an uncertain future amid interest from Everton.
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There are other team developments. Spurs have added a centre-back with a similar profile to Van de Ven to their shortlist and are monitoring Wolves midfielder Joao Gomes, who could move if his side face relegation pressure. Academy striker Dane Scarlett is also expected to be included more frequently as the club plan for the future.
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Frank, Spurs and how it could play out
The appeal of Frank and Toney’s reunion is clear. Their tactical chemistry was proven at Brentford, and Spurs would gain a striker who understands both the pace and physicality of Premier League football. Toney, meanwhile, gains a platform to relaunch his international ambition.
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For Tottenham, this assessment reflects both hope and hesitation. The team has reached a point where the lack of a reliable and clinical striker is affecting momentum and results, and many fans believe that pursuing Ivan Toney not only makes sense, but should have been long overdue. Spurs have changed under the current regime, becoming more aggressive in possession and more structured in transition, but the lack of a reliable finisher continues to stand out. Supporters would say that Toney, with his Premier League pedigree and physical presence, fits the profile of a number nine capable of immediately elevating the attack.
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Fans clearly remember how ruthless Toney was with Brentford, and the thought of him working within Tottenham’s current system generates cautious optimism. It is recognized that financial and contractual complications are real, but proponents tend to focus on the outcome rather than the details of the negotiation. The idea of a loan with an obligation to buy seems sensible and allows Spurs to assess how quickly he adapts.
Some Tottenham fans are skeptical about signing a player who has played outside of Europe’s top leagues, but the consensus is that his desire to return to England and reclaim a place in the national team could push him to deliver on his promises quickly. It’s also known that Richarlison’s inconsistency continues to hold the team back, and this move could be the moment Spurs properly reset their forward line.
The general opinion is simple. The Spurs need a striker with presence, maturity and proven performance, and Toney fits that model much better than the current options. The feeling is one of cautious expectation, curiosity about the loan structure and a strong belief that if this deal goes through, Spurs could step up a gear in the second half of the season.