Why Ivan Toney Will Not Join Leeds United: Inside the Real Story Behind the Rumours, the Reality, and the Roadblocks
Rumours surrounding Ivan Toney’s future have intensified in recent weeks, and with the January transfer window approaching, the 29-year-old striker finds himself at the centre of one of the most intriguing situations of the season. After a short but successful spell in Saudi Arabia with Al Ahli, the England international appears set on a return to the Premier League — a move he views as essential if he is to reclaim his place under Thomas Tuchel ahead of the World Cup.
As speculation grows, several Premier League clubs have naturally been linked, from Tottenham Hotspur to West Ham United. But in the midst of these credible links, a more surprising name has repeatedly surfaced: Leeds United.
For Leeds supporters, the idea of signing a proven Premier League striker like Toney is undeniably exciting. A player with his finishing ability, presence, confidence, and penalty-taking mastery could transform any side struggling for goals. But the reality behind the scenes is far more complicated — and far less optimistic for those dreaming of seeing Toney in white.
Below, we take a deep dive into the full picture: Toney’s situation, Leeds’ financial realities, the logic behind the rumours, and why — despite the headlines — this transfer was never close to becoming a real possibility.
Chapter 1: Ivan Toney’s Saudi Spell — Goals, Silverware, But No Satisfaction
Ivan Toney’s move to Al Ahli in 2024 was one of the biggest surprises of that window. Many expected the Brentford striker to jump straight to a top-six club. Instead, he followed the growing trend of English players moving to the Saudi Pro League for eye-watering wages.
It was a decision that brought:
Financial security
A new cultural challenge
A fresh environment away from Premier League scrutiny
And the chance to be a star attraction in a rapidly growing league
And to be fair to Toney, he delivered.
His record at Al Ahli
59 appearances
41 goals
Saudi Super Cup winner
On the surface, this is outstanding output. But privately, Toney has come to realise a harsh truth: scoring in Saudi Arabia is not enough to remain relevant in the England setup.
Thomas Tuchel’s first major decision was leaving Toney out of the latest England squad. That omission cut deep. Tuchel has made it clear that, for strikers especially, he needs players operating at the highest level, facing top defenders weekly, and adapting to the tactical intensity of elite European football.
The message was simple:
Return to the Premier League, or forget the World Cup.
Chapter 2: Why Toney Wants Out — Ambition, Legacy, and the World Cup Dream
At 29, Ivan Toney is entering what many would consider the final peak years of his career. This next move is not just another transfer — it’s the move that defines his legacy.
He wants:
To play in England again
To challenge himself
To be part of the World Cup squad
To stay in the public eye
To remind everyone why he was once valued at £80 million by Brentford
And to compete for European football if possible
He’s also desperate to return to a more competitive environment. While the Saudi Pro League is improving, the consistency, intensity, and tactical evolution of the Premier League is unmatched.
A return to England would mean a massive pay cut, due to Saudi Arabia’s tax-free structure. But Toney now understands that this financial hit is necessary for his long-term ambitions.
Chapter 3: The Premier League Clubs That Want Him — Spurs, West Ham, Everton… But Not Leeds
With Toney set to leave Al Ahli, several Premier League clubs have been positioned as potential destinations:
Tottenham Hotspur
Spurs need a No. 9. They’ve been operating without a natural, high-level centre-forward since Harry Kane’s departure. Toney’s experience, hold-up play, and confidence would slot perfectly into their style.
West Ham United
Moyes’ side still need a reliable goal-scorer. Toney fits the mould perfectly and would immediately become their first-choice striker.
Everton
The Toffees have long lacked a consistent scorer. Toney is exactly the kind of proven Premier League operator they need.
Manchester United (quiet monitoring)
Sources say United want a striker, though they are prioritising younger options.
And then… there is the rumoured link to Leeds United — a link that exploded across social media but was never grounded in real substance.
Chapter 4: Why Toney Is Not Interested in Leeds United — A Player’s Perspective
According to TeamTalk and multiple other sources, Ivan Toney is not considering a move to Leeds United. His reasons are straightforward:
- He wants Premier League football
Toney’s entire push to leave Saudi Arabia is built around regaining his England place. Joining a club outside the Premier League makes zero sense.
- He wants to join a club fighting for top-half places
He’s 29. He wants success now, not a project.
- Leeds’ current project doesn’t match his ambitions
While Leeds remain a massive club with passionate backing, they are not in a position to lure a 20-goal-a-season striker who sees himself as Champions League level.
- He wants a stable project
The managerial uncertainty, the squad rebuild, and the fluctuating form all make Leeds a risky move.
- He wants to be part of a team with Premier League infrastructure
Spurs, West Ham, Everton, and even mid-table sides have long-standing Premier League setups. Toney values that environment.
Simply put:
Ivan Toney has outgrown the profile of a Leeds United transfer target.
Chapter 5: Leeds United’s Reality — The Hard Financial Truths
Even if Toney fancied a move, Leeds could not do it — not even remotely.
Reason 1: The Transfer Fee — £25 Million Required
Al Ahli are prepared to sell for £25 million. While that fee seems reasonable for a Premier League-level striker, it’s entirely unrealistic for Leeds.
Leeds are right on the edge of PSR (Profit & Sustainability Rules), meaning:
They cannot spend heavily
They cannot gamble on expensive deals
They must prioritise financial compliance
Any large signing must be offset by major player sales
As LeedsUnited.News reports, Leeds simply do not have the ability to commit to a £25m fee in January.
Reason 2: The Wage Problem — A Complete Deal-Killer
Even worse than the fee are the wages.
Ivan Toney earns a massive salary in Saudi Arabia. While he’s willing to take a pay cut, he’s still looking for a Premier League-level payday.
At Leeds United:
Dominic Calvert-Lewin is the highest paid
The wage structure is tightly controlled
Breaking that structure would destabilise the squad
High earners lead to dressing-room tension
Leeds are simply not financially positioned to compete
Signing Toney would mean Leeds:
More than doubling their wage ceiling
Committing to long-term financial risk
Potentially breaching PSR
Leeds cannot do that. They will not do that.
Chapter 6: Why the Rumours Started — The Media Machine at Work
The Toney-to-Leeds rumours did not appear out of thin air. They began due to:
- Leeds’ need for goals
The club is desperate for attacking reinforcements. Fans and pundits naturally connected the dots.
- Ally McCoist’s opinion
McCoist suggested Leeds might be interested, which sparked speculation.
- Media outlets looking for clicks
A big-name striker connected to a big fanbase = guaranteed attention.
- Leeds’ history of ambitious rumours
The club has previously been linked with players far above its realistic budget. It happens every window.
- Social media amplification
Once the rumour hit Twitter, it spread like wildfire.
But every credible source has since shut the door firmly.
Chapter 7: The Final Verdict — No Chance, No Pathway, No Possibility
When all factors are combined — the fee, the wages, the player’s ambitions, the club’s financial setup, the competitive context — the conclusion is absolute:
There was never any realistic chance of Ivan Toney joining Leeds United.
Even LeedsUnited.News, with strong club-level insight, has made it clear:
No negotiations
No discussions
No groundwork
No possibility under current PSR limits
And with Toney focused squarely on Premier League clubs, the move collapses from both sides of the equation.
Chapter 8: What Comes Next for Leeds?
Instead of chasing unrealistic stars, Leeds will turn toward:
Smart loans
Emerging young strikers
Lower-cost European forwards
Value-based signings
Potential January bargains
The club must stay within PSR boundaries and support Daniel Farke without destabilising the long-term project.
Toney was a fantasy link — nothing more.
Conclusion: The Rumour Was Fun — But the Reality Is Clear
Ivan Toney will return to England. He will sign for a Premier League club. And he will likely pick a side pushing for Europe.
Leeds United, however, were merely part of the rumour mill — a name tossed into the mix without any meaningful foundation.
There will be no shock U-turn. No surprise announcement. No sensational unveiling.
Ivan Toney will not be joining Leeds United — not now, not in January, not under the current conditions.