After a shock move to the Saudi Pro League, a blockbuster Ivan Toney Al-Ahli debut awaits, as he takes on Al-Nassr and megastar Cristiano Ronaldo.
The England international striker, who penned a contract worth £400,000 per week on deadline day, will face one of the strongest clubs in the Arab world this Friday. Here, we will explore the finer details of a clash that promises high drama…
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What number will Toney wear for Al-Ahli?
Intriguingly, Toney is set to wear the number 99 for Al-Ahli.
The highest shirt number possible under regular circumstances, 99 is quite a departure from the number 17 Toney became known for during his ascent through English football in recent years. From his debut at Peterborough United in 2017 all the way through to his stardom at Brentford, Toney has stuck with 17.
He even wore the number for England at Euro 2024 this summer. Strangely, 17 is also vacant at Al-Ahli. Perhaps, with two nines, Toney is signalling his desire to wear the hallowed number nine shirt once more. He last wore the traditional striker’s number at Scunthorpe United and Shrewsbury Town.
The shirt is currently occupied by Firas Al-Bukairan. If the Saudi international ever leaves Al-Ahli, expect Toney to take it on.
Who will Toney play alongside on his Al-Ahli debut?
Like many of the wealthiest Saudi clubs, Al-Ahli have a squad littered with talent plundered from Europe’s elite leagues.
In attack, Premier League legends Riyad Mahrez and Roberto Firmino will be looking to assist Toney on his debut.
Mahrez in particular has been in fine form in Saudi Arabia, with 11 goals and 13 assists in his debut season for Al-Ahli.
The midfield is led by AFCON winner and former Barcelona midfielder Franck Kessie, supported by the talented Gabri Veiga.
At the back, Edouard Mendy is well-protected by Merih Demiral and Roger Ibanez.
Al-Ahli largely play a 4-2-3-1, with Firmino, Veiga and Mahrez all buzzing behind the striker. This will suit Toney’s strengths of hold-up and combination play.
Toney Al-Ahli debut to end in victory?
Toney certainly adds a new edge to the Al-Ahli attack, but his first assignment is a tough one.
He will travel away to Al-Nassr, who Al-Ahli have only beaten once in their last six matchups (D1, L4), doing so back in December 2020.
Al-Nassr have one of the strongest squads in the league, led by Cristiano Ronaldo in attack. Across 49 games in Saudi Arabia, the Portuguese icon has scored 51 goals. He is supported by the superb Sadio Mane.
Toney will also face a stern central defensive partnership, with Mohamed Simakan joining Aymeric Laporte at the back this summer.
However, if Toney wants to make an instant impression in his new environs, which he surely will, there is no better place than at Ronaldo’s home.
There is also significant value to be found in the betting markets on Toney’s performance, as the England striker is rated at just 9/4 to score anytime. A wager of Toney and Ronaldo to score in this heavyweight clash is priced at 45/24.
