Former Newcastle United striker Ivan Toney has made his feelings towards the club clear, stating he holds no ill will despite being sold in 2018. His comments have resurfaced amid reports that he could return to St James' Park.
Arabic outlet Winwin has reported that Toney could reunite with former Al-Ahli manager Matthias Jaissle in the north-east, as speculation grows over a potential exit. The 30-year-old has scored 86 goals in 107 appearances for Al-Ahli since joining the Saudi club two years ago.
From £650,000 sale to Premier League star
Newcastle sold Toney to Peterborough for £650,000 in the summer of 2018. He later moved to Brentford in 2020, where he established himself as a Premier League player.
The decision to sell came back to haunt Newcastle in November 2021, when Toney scored against his former club in a 3-3 draw. He also cleared a Magpies chance off his own line during that match.
No hard feelings
Speaking after that game, Toney said: "On a personal level it meant a lot. But I have no hard feelings against the club. They still hold a place in my heart and I wish them all the best for the season."
He added: "Did I have a point to prove? Not really. I have a point to prove every game I play. This was to enjoy. Whatever happened is in the past."
"Maybe when I was at Newcastle I wasn't ready. Maybe I wasn't good enough. Who knows? At the time the club had a decision to make and it was to let me go. But no hard feelings. I will have a special place in my heart forever. Without having been at Newcastle I wouldn't be where I am today."
Age and recruitment strategy
Despite his scoring form in the Saudi Pro League, Toney appears unlikely to be on Newcastle's wishlist this winter. He is at the wrong end of the age spectrum, and the club's recent recruitment has focused on younger players.
Jaissle and his backroom team brought in several new faces over the summer, none of whom were over the age of 24. Newcastle invested £51 million of that spending on Belgium forward Matias Fernandez-Pardo from Lille, though the 21-year-old is yet to score in six appearances.
Sources at Newcastle remained cool on the links, while those close to Toney did not comment on a potential return when asked by the Chronicle. Jaissle may decide that fresh experience is needed, and if Newcastle considered re-signing Toney, his past in the north-east would not prevent him from considering the move.
