Tottenham Should Have Signed Toney Says Former Scout

Tottenham Hotspur should have signed Ivan Toney when he left Brentford in 2024. Former senior Tottenham scout Bryan King stated this to Football Insider. The striker joined Al-Ahli for £40 million that year.

Toney entered the final year of his contract at Brentford. Tottenham were among the clubs linked to him. They ultimately opted against a move.

The 30-year-old scored 42 goals last season across all competitions. He also provided 11 assists in just 49 appearances. Thomas Tuchel selected him for the World Cup squad.

Toney is now linked with a move to Newcastle United. Al-Ahli manager Matthias Jaissle replaced Eddie Howe. The forward could return to his former side.

Toney's Career Complicated By Betting Ban

Toney's final years at Brentford were complicated. He had been among England's most desired forwards. The 2020-21 season saw him score 33 goals for the Bees.

He also provided 10 assists as Brentford won promotion. His first Premier League campaign was strong. He scored 20 goals in the 2022-23 season.

Then the ban came. Toney received an eight-month suspension for betting breaches. He admitted to 232 violations of the rules.

"Are clubs looking for him? I said a couple of years ago, when he was unsure about his future at Brentford and he ran his contract down there, why the hell Spurs never went for him, I don't know," King told Football Insider.

"He would have been perfect for Tottenham," King said. "He was certainly a raw centre-forward when he went to Brentford. He got tied up with the betting stuff and then ended up in a World Cup squad after playing in Saudi Arabia."

Tuchel Praises Toney's Impact

Toney's inclusion in the World Cup squad surprised many. The striker had not been involved since June 2025. Tuchel decided to reopen the door for him.

"It was necessary that we talked with him again," Tuchel explained. "We clarified if he's happy to come. We had good feedback from his club coach and good feedback from the Euros in Germany."

"He can start for us but I don't see him as a starter," Tuchel said. "His role is to finish matches for us. He is part of a special operations team."

"Off the pitch, he is glue," Tuchel added. "He connects with everyone very well. He knows his role and accepts it."

Tottenham now likely regret their decision not to sign Toney. He continues to perform at a high level. The forward remains a dangerous option in attack.