England star picks Saudi Arabia over Juventus transfer to force way into Tuchel’s World Cup squad

One of England’s forgotten stars has reportedly turned down a move to Juventus in order to continue his hot-streak in the Saudi Arabia and force his way into Thomas Tuchel’s 2026 World Cup squad.

Ivan Toney was a standout performer for Brentford before moving to Al-Ahli in 2024 for €42 million and he tops the scoring charts in the Saudi Pro League this season with 18 goals in 17 appearances.

Toney’s form saw him recalled to the England squad in March and prompted an approach from Juventus to sign him this month but the 29-year-old told The Mirror that he believes his World Cup chances will be higher if he continues his explots at Al-Ahli.

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

“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, is 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.”

Juventus turn to Benzema in striker search after Toney rejection

Juventus are desperate to bring in a striker before Monday’s transfer deadline, having struggled to command consistent goals from forwards such as Jonathan David, Dusan Vlahovic and Lois Openda.

Toney had been one of the names on the Italian side’s shortlist, while Tottenham are resisting any attempt to cut short Randal Kolo Muani’s loan so that he can move to Turin, leaving Juventus being forced to consider other options.

Karim Benzema has become the latest player on Juve’s radar, with L’Equipe reporting that an enquiry had been made for the wantaway Al-Ittihad striker in recent days.

However, Benzema is thought to be in advanced talk to move to Saudi rivals Al-Hilal after telling Al-Ittihad that he did not want to be considered for selection due to an ‘insulting’ contract extension offer.

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