Manchester United consider loan move for Al Ahli striker Ivan Toney

Manchester United are considering a January loan move for Al Ahli striker Ivan Toney as Benjamin Sesko’s injury exposes a lack of depth in their attack.

The club chose not to prioritise another central striker during the summer transfer window, instead focusing on strengthening midfield. That decision is now being tested, with Sesko sidelined and Joshua Zirkzee yet to convince Michael Carrick that he is the right player to lead the attack.

Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha have both been used as centre-forwards, although neither is a natural striker. As a result, Manchester United are expected to look for a short-term solution in January rather than make another major long-term investment.

According to reports carried by Caught Offside, citing The National, United are now likely to pursue a striker on loan. The club is understood to be operating under strict financial limits and does not want to commit a substantial fee to another forward before next summer’s transfer window.

Sesko remains central to Manchester United’s long-term attacking plans, making a temporary signing a way to cover his absence without disrupting that strategy. The need is considered urgent because Sesko is not expected to return until the beginning of 2027.

Zirkzee continues to receive limited playing time and is not currently regarded as part of United’s long-term plans. A loan deal would therefore offer the club an experienced player who could contribute immediately, while avoiding the complications that could follow if a large sum were spent on another young striker who might become surplus to requirements once Sesko returns.

Caught Offside said this “explains Manchester United’s growing interest in a deal for Al Ahli star Ivan Toney”.

The report added that United are exploring the possibility of signing Toney temporarily. The England striker has experience of the Premier League and would provide an immediate physical presence in attack.

Crystal Palace forward Jean-Philippe Mateta is another realistic option and remains on Manchester United’s list of targets. His Premier League record and a contract that is approaching its expiry are both considered factors in his favour.

“Manchester United’s summer decision to prioritise midfield was understandable, but the absence of a reliable back-up striker now appears costly,” the report said.

Manchester United are not the only club linked with Toney. Earlier reports in the English and Saudi media claimed Newcastle United were also interested in signing him.

Al Ahli are nevertheless in a strong contractual position, with Toney’s deal running until the end of June 2028. The Saudi club has also started efforts to negotiate an extension for the England international, according to Al Ekhbariya Saudi channel’s Al-Muntasaf programme, which cited sources inside the club in late October.

Al Ahli will now be keen to accelerate those talks. The issue represents a significant test for the club’s management, whose supporters have yet to recover from Matthias Jaissle’s departure to Newcastle, following unsuccessful renewal efforts, as well as the exits of Riyad Mahrez and Franck Kessie.

Toney is currently Al Ahli’s leading star in the Saudi Pro League, having scored 13 goals to lead the competition’s scoring chart.