Ivan Toney’s Al-Ahli future under scrutiny after Jaissle Newcastle reunion hint

Ivan Toney’s future at Al-Ahli has been called into question after the club’s former chief executive suggested the England striker could reunite with former manager Matthias Jaissle at Newcastle United.

The comments come during a period of major change at the Saudi Arabian club, with several influential players having already departed and Jaissle leaving his position to take charge of Newcastle United.

Riyad Mahrez and Franck Kessie are among the prominent names to have moved on in recent weeks, adding to uncertainty around Al-Ahli before the start of the new season.

Speaking on British radio station talkSPORT, former Al-Ahli chief executive Yazan Al-Sharif said: “It is possible we could see Ivan Toney with Jaissle at Newcastle United.”

He then added with a laugh: “The player has the German manager’s trust, and they formed a good partnership. The deal could happen, but I have no information confirming it.”

Al-Sharif made clear that his comments were not based on official information. Nevertheless, they have prompted widespread debate among Al-Ahli supporters, who are concerned that the club could lose one of its most important players during a period of significant upheaval.

Toney is regarded as one of Al-Ahli’s most successful foreign signings in recent years. The striker enjoyed an impressive first season with the club, making a direct contribution to its domestic and continental achievements.

His potential departure would therefore represent a major setback for supporters of “Al-Raqi”, particularly after the exits of Mahrez and Kessie and the managerial change that followed Jaissle’s resignation.

The German coach had developed a strong relationship with Toney during their time together at Al-Ahli, and Al-Sharif’s suggestion has raised the possibility that Newcastle could attempt to use that connection in the current transfer window.

There is, however, no confirmation that Newcastle United have made an approach for Toney, nor that Al-Ahli are considering allowing the forward to leave. The speculation currently rests on Al-Sharif’s comments, which he qualified by acknowledging that he did not possess information confirming such a move.

The situation adds to the concerns surrounding Al-Ahli as the club prepares for the new campaign. Supporters are already adjusting to the loss of several key figures, while the arrival of a new manager at Newcastle United has created a possible link between Jaissle and one of his leading former players.

For now, Toney remains an Al-Ahli player, but the prospect of a reunion with Jaissle in the Premier League has given fans fresh reason to fear that the striker could be the next major name to leave the club.