Newcastle United have not discussed the prospect of re-signing Ivan Toney this January, but head coach Matthias Jaissle will get backing if he needs it in the winter window.
With a cash injection already pumped into Newcastle ahead of the next two windows, the Magpies will assess what is needed in January and, providing they stay within the SCR framework around them, a new addition or two remains possible for Jaissle, with PIF still focused on the project in hand.
No talks over Toney return
Chronicle Live has learned that Newcastle have not even discussed the former Peterborough United and Brentford man. As reported previously, Newcastle were cool on reports that Toney was eyeing a reunion with his former boss Jaissle.
It has emerged that, while Jaissle remains a fan of the England striker, he has not even suggested Toney as a January target. The German head coach even hinted at his last press conference that he will not get everything he wants at the start of 2027.
Jaissle on transfer plans
Jaissle said ahead of the Everton game: “One of the last press conferences we talked about, the financial fair play rules, for instance, so it's not a wish concert (in terms of getting what he wants), but we're really aligned and we're always working together.
“We're a unit (Jaissle and his recruitment team), as a coach you thrive for high expectations, also when it comes to signings, of course, but there are different aspects also to consider.”
January priorities and Toney wage issue
Newcastle are expected to revisit offloading Nick Pope in January, which would open the door to signing a new younger goalkeeper to back up Lukas Hornicek and Ewen Jaouen. Full-back cover and a new number 10 may also be looked at, but much depends on whether Joe Willock remains on Tyneside, with Besiktas still interested in the ex-Arsenal man.
A new striker in the summer window will also be a consideration, but talk of Toney was dismissed after reports from Saudi Arabia. Reports from Win Win in Saudi Arabia have linked Toney with the Magpies and suggest that Jaissle would love a reunion with the England international. However, the reality is that Toney, who left Newcastle during the Mike Ashley era as a youngster, would have to take a dramatic wage drop given he is picking up £500,000 per week at Al-Ahli.
Newcastle's top earners are currently averaging around £150,000 per week, and such a move would break the wage ceiling at the club. The 30-year-old is under contract until 2028 in the Saudi Pro League, and even a January loan deal would be costly. Despite the fact that Al-Ahli are owned by PIF, the framework between Newcastle and PIF partner clubs is not believed to be smooth; indeed, Newcastle had to pay almost £10m to get Jaissle out of his contract.
Toney's stance and Newcastle's policy
When asked by Sky Sports about returning to the Premier League one day, Toney said earlier this year: "Never say never. I have goals I want to achieve here first, the club have signed me for a long period of time.
"I want to repay them and bring trophies. In football and life, you never know what's around the corner. Who knows what the next step is?
"I'm comfortable here and like being here. I'm doing well, my numbers speak for themselves and I'm settled. I'm enjoying my football and don't see why I'd leave to go back to where I was."
Newcastle are set to stick to their policy of signing younger stars who can use St James' Park as a stage to impress.
