GOAL runs the rule over the British players earning a living away from their homeland, with plenty more stars deciding to leave the comforts of the United Kingdom in search of a better footballing life elsewhere. The Premier League is still obviously one of the world's most entertaining divisions and the Championship can prove fantastic for development, but there are more options out there.
Premier League executive Karren Brady has hit back at bold claims from Ivan Toney and Cristiano Ronaldo that the Saudi Pro League is on the same level as the Premier League. Brady admitted she was left “gobsmacked” by the comparisons, insisting the Saudi project is far from matching the Premier League’s global standard in quality, support, and stature.
Ivan Toney is not ready to give up on his World Cup dream despite being left out of the latest England squad without any warning from Thomas Tuchel. Since swapping Brentford for Al-Ahli last summer, the striker has impressed in Saudi Arabia. Last season, he rattled in 23 league goals in 30 games, finishing just two shy of Cristiano Ronaldo’s tally, while forming a deadly strike force alongside Roberto Firmino and Riyad Mahrez.
Ivan Toney has shockingly claimed that the Saudi Pro League is "on par" with the Premier League and insisted that Al-Ahli would compete for a top four finish if they competed in the English top flight. Toney left the Premier League last summer when joining Al-Ahli from Brentford. The English forward has already won two titles in his first year in the Middle East.
Inter Miami are "extremely confident" of tying Lionel Messi to a new contract despite strong interest from Saudi Pro League giants Al-Ahli. Messi, who joined the Herons in the summer of 2023, has an active contract with the club until the end of the 2025, however, the David Beckham-owned side want to retain the Argentina legend beyond this year.
Al Ahli
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