Al Ahli supporters fear fresh setback over reported Ivan Toney interest

Matthias Jaissle has returned to the centre of controversy at Al Ahli after reports claimed the former manager wants to take Ivan Toney away from the Saudi club during the January transfer window.

Khalid Al Sheneif, presenter of the Dorina Ghair programme, discussed the claim on Tuesday, saying: “There is a circulating report that Jaissle wants to sign Ivan Toney.”

However, Al Sheneif did not clarify whether the reported move would be targeted for the forthcoming winter transfer window or would instead be considered at the end of the season.

The former Al Shabab and Saudi Arabia player described the possibility as “the mother of all disasters” for Al Ahli, given Toney’s importance to the team’s results this season.

Toney has become a central figure in the side following the departure of several key players at the end of last season, including Riyad Mahrez. The England striker has scored 14 goals and provided two assists in 14 appearances in all competitions this campaign.

Al Sheneif added: “If this happens, it would be the final blow for everyone associated with Al Ahli.”

The report has further intensified supporters’ anger towards Jaissle, who supervised Al Ahli during their pre-season camp before resigning to take charge of Newcastle.

His decision prompted questions over its timing, particularly because Al Ahli were preparing for a new campaign after winning the AFC Champions League Elite for the second successive time.

Many Al Ahli fans believe Jaissle’s departure disrupted the club’s plans. They have also criticised decisions he took before leaving, which they believe contributed to the departures of Mahrez and Franck Kessie.

The German coach’s potential involvement in an attempt to recruit Toney would therefore represent another source of frustration for supporters, with the striker currently providing a significant share of Al Ahli’s attacking output.

No further details have been given about the reported interest, including whether it concerns a permanent transfer or another form of deal. The claim remains centred on Jaissle’s alleged desire to bring Toney to Newcastle, either in January or after the current season.