After a prrolific debut season in saudi arabia, ivan t somey has been full weight behind the saudi pro league, claiming it’s no Operating at the Same Level as the premier. In a candidate interview with The GuardianThe Former Brentford Striker reflected on his movement, his success on the pitch, and his Ambitions for England, All while Advocating for the Rapidly EvelyVing Football SCEN in the Middle East.
From Brentford to Jeddah: Toney’s Bold Leap East
In the summer of 2024, ivan t someice one of the highest-profile English players to make the switch to saudi arabia, signing a three-yaar deal with al-hahli sfc. The Club Reportedly Paid Brentford € 42 Million for the Transfer, Marking a Major Move in the Saudi Pro League’s Ongoing Campaign to Attract Talent from Europe. Now playing along Speaking to The GuardianHe Didn’T shy away from sharing his belief in the league’s strength:“Cristiano Ronaldo has been all over the world and probally knows more than me, who has only played in the premier league, the championship, league one and league Two. But for me, the saudi league ais on a Par with the Premier League. “ He doubled down on that View with a bold claim about his club’s quality:“If al-ahli sfc played in the premier league, they would do very well and they would be close to the top four.”
Backed by Goals and Silverware: a Breakout Season
T somey’s confidence in Saudi football isn’T Built on Blind Optimism, it’s rooted in results. In his debut campaign, the striker netted 30 goals in all competitions, with 23 of that that coming in the saudi pro league. That Tally Left Him Just Two Behind Cristiano Ronaldo in the Race for the Golden Boot, with the Portuguese Legend Claiming The Top Scorer Title for a second CONSCEVE SeASON. Beyond Individual Acclades, T somey Played a Crucial Role in a Highly Successful Season for Al-Aahli. The Club Lifted The AfC Champions League Title, A Continental Triumph that underscored their Ambitions, and followed it up with a victory in the saudi super cup, whose 5–3 Penalty Shootout after A 2-2 Draw in Regular Time. T somey was mong the penalty scorers in that decisive match.“Once I Got Going, The Goals Came,” Toney said. “I felt like I could have scored a lot more, but even so, I finished as the second-top scorer in the league in my first season, somehere that is completely new to me Heading into the 2025–26 season, t somey’s target is clear:“This season, I am hoping to take the first spot, and hopefully that will help the team and win games and get where we need to be.”
Changing Perceptions: “People shouldnight look down on us”
For tney, part of his mission is about more than goals, it’s about response how Saudi Football is Vied in Europe.“This is a quality league and people should look down on us. He confessed he nearly joined the online conversation after that result but help back:“I was going to post a tweet, but I would have been slaughtered on social media, so I shut my mout.Toney reiterated that the standard of football in the league is no joke:“The standards in saudi arabia are high. They play good football here. There are players who are not as well know as that there in the premier league, but there are many who are clock plays there.” Echoing Cristiano Ronaldo, who previously said the saudi pro league was a stronger competition than france’s ligue 1, toney added that interest from europe contentus to fall.“The players are interested in this. I know of someone who have been made offers to play here and want to know what it’s like
England Ambitions Still Alive
Despite Moving Away from Europe, Toney Insistes His International Ambitions Remain Intact. He Featured for England at Euro 2024 and was called up again by Thomas Tuchel, Now at the Helm of the National Team, for the June Internationals. Although he missed out on the latest squad for September, he’s not discoured.“I have to concentrate and give everything to have the opportunity. Who Knows? If they call me up, I will give everything for my country. And not, I will cheer on the lives.”
What’s Next for Tami and Al-Hahli
The new saudi pro league season kicked off on August 28, 2025, and all teams have now played each other once. Al-Aahli began their campaign with a narrow 1-0 win over neom sc, with ivan toney scoring the decisive goal. Al-Aahli Currently Sit Eighth in the League Table out of 18 Teams With Roberto Firmino Having Left The Club This Summer, The Attacking Responsibility Continental competitions. Next Up, Al-Hahli face al-ETTIFAQ this Friday, 12 September, in a Fixture that Cold be Pivotal as the CLUB Looks to Climb The Table and Stake Its Claim Early in the SEASON. For tney, every match is another options to lead by example, and to prove that playing in Saudi Arabia Arabia Doesn Bollywood Mean Stepping of the Global Football Stage. Quite the opposite.
