West Ham ‘desperate’ to seal Ivan Toney transfer with striker now in exile before World Cup
West Ham are lining up a sensational return to the Premier League for former Brentford striker Ivan Toney, amid a striking crisis for Nuno Espirito Santo.
Niclas Fullkrug is set to be “out for a while” according to Nuno, after the striker suffered a muscle tear while on international duty.
The German had endured a poor start to the season, and could not be set for another two-month-long period on the sidelines.
West Ham allowed Michail Antonio to leave on a free transfer in the summer, leaving the Hammers now with just two options in the centre of attack.
Callum Marshall and Callum Wilson are set to compete for West Ham’s starting role, but neither has impressed so far this season.
West Ham keen to strike Ivan Toney agreement
Toney left Brentford just one year ago, signing for Saudi Pro League club Al-Ahli in a deal worth around £40million.
And the striker enjoyed a hugely productive first season, scoring 30 goals and providing six assists across 44 games for the Jeddah-based club.
| Ivan Toney | All competitions 2025-26 |
| Appearances | 11 |
| Goals | 9 |
| Assists | 1 |
The striker’s move has killed off any involvement for Thomas Tuchel‘s England, however, with Ollie Watkins among those preferred by the German.
Toney had gone to the Euros with England last summer, but now may need to return to the Premier League to have any chance of going to the World Cup.
Alan Nixon, via Patreon, reported on Sunday that West Ham want to give the 29-year-old that chance, and are lining up a loan deal.
Tax issues would complicate the deal but the Hammers are looking into ways of getting around any problems that would prevent them from signing the striker, who they are “desperate” for.
Toney could be open to a Premier League return in January, with the Englishman aware that playing for a Premier League club would be key to his chances of emerging from his England “exile”.
- Read more: Niclas Fullkrug’s latest West Ham injury blow could be blessing in disguise, the numbers show why
Toney would be an exceptional signing
Toney would surely be a dream signing for Nuno, given the striker’s huge previous success in the Premier League.
Just three years ago, the forward netted 20 goals in England’s top flight for Brentford, and provided a massively dangerous presence for Thomas Frank’s side.
Toney, 29, is still in his prime and is scoring at a stunning rate in the Saudi Pro League, although admittedly against a lower level of opposition.
A tall and muscular striker capable of running in behind too, the striker would appear to fit Nuno’s system perfectly.
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