Ivan Toney justifies Juventus rejection by overtaking Cristiano Ronaldo and forcing Thomas Tuchel into Harry Kane decision

Ivan Toney underlined why he rejected a move to Juventus by cementing his standing as Harry Kane’s chief England back-up.

The 29-year-old took full advantage of Cristiano Ronaldo’s strike by moving two clear of the football icon as Saudi Arabia’s top goalscorer.

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The former Brentford man took his tally to 19 goals in as many games in a 2-0 win over Al-Hazem to steer Al-Ahli up to second in the table.

Ironically, Toney’s team leapfrogged Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr in the process, just as the England international pulled clear of the 41-year-old.

In total, Toney has 27 goals and eight assists in 30 appearances – with Kane being the only Three Lions star with better numbers this term.

It means national boss Thomas Tuchel has a big decision to make. No other Englishman has even reached double figures for league goals in 2025/26, with Marcus Rashford and Phil Foden both just about hitting that mark across all competitions.

Toney’s output makes it all the more surprising that he has played just two minutes of football for England since the Euro 2024.

Ivan Toney’s England record

He has only started one of his seven England caps – a 2-2 friendly draw at Wembley against Belgium in 2024, during which he scored.

Toney featured three times off the bench at Euro 2024, playing a vital part in the dramatic 2-1 comeback win over Slovakia.

The forward scored from the spot in the penalty shootout triumph to beat Switzerland, and appeared in the final defeat to Spain.

However, he has played just once under Thomas Tuchel thus far, coming on in the latter stages of a 3-1 friendly loss to Senegal.

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Toney rejects Juventus transfer

Toney hasn’t been named in any of the three England camps this season and may even be behind Foden in Tuchel’s striker options.

He was told a transfer could boost his chances of a Three Lions recall, with two Premier League clubs holding an interest.

His former Brentford boss, Thomas Frank, was open to signing him for Tottenham, while West Ham were also monitoring his situation.

talkSPORT understands that Toney rejected a potential deadline-day move to Juventus where manager Luciano Spalletti identified him as a target.

Despite the obvious allure of playing for one of Italy’s chief clubs, the seven-cap England international wants to win further silverware with Al-Ahli before considering any potential transfer away.

Toney, who lifted the Asian Champions League trophy after banging in 30 goals during his maiden year, then claimed the Saudi Super Cup.

The £40million signing, who served an eight-month ban three years ago for breaking betting rules, is now in top physical shape.

Toney has fully adapted to the Saudi heat, and talkSPORT can reveal that he’s quicker in speed tests than at any other time in his career.

Toney said: “I feel like I’m doing well right now and that continuing to score goals [here in Saudi Arabia] will give me a stronger chance to get to what could be my only World Cup.

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“Harry Kane is the best finisher in football; his numbers are outrageous. I think he’s scored more goals than games he’s played.

“For me, it’s not easy to score goals in this league, it’s not easy. It’s tough. Being in, being a team that I’m in, it gives me a chance.

“We have some good players that enjoy assisting, let’s say, and thankfully for them, they have a striker that loves scoring and wants more.”

Toney’s standing as Saudi’s top goalscorer remains safe for another week at least, with Ronaldo set to miss a second match for Al Nassr.

However, CR7’s teammates will be in action against Al-Ittihad LIVE on talkSPORT’s YouTube channel on Friday at 5:30pm.