As the January 2026 transfer window gathers pace, Liverpool are reportedly plotting an ambitious move for Al Ahli striker Ivan Toney. According to Anfield Watch, the Reds have identified the 29-year-old as one of several targets who could strengthen their attacking options for the decisive second half of the 2025-26 campaign. Arne Slot's side remain hopeful of closing the gap in the Premier League title race while also challenging for silverware in the FA Cup and Champions League, and the addition of an experienced forward could provide exactly the kind of immediate boost they need.

The context behind Liverpool's search is both emotional and practical. The tragic passing of Diogo Jota left a void that no transfer can truly fill, while the summer exits of Darwin Nunez and Luis Diaz removed two important attacking options. Uncertainty surrounding Mohamed Salah's future has added another layer of complexity, and with Alexander Isak also set for a spell on the sidelines, Slot's squad is thinner in the forward department than many expected at this stage of the season. Liverpool are therefore assessing short and medium-term solutions rather than simply planning for the long term.

⚽ Why Toney fits the short-term profile

Liverpool's recent recruitment has been forward-looking. The arrivals of Hugo Ekitike and Alexander Isak were designed to shape the future of the club's attacking line, which means any January deal is likely to be viewed as a temporary fix rather than a permanent pivot. Toney fits that brief almost perfectly. He knows the Premier League, he has proven he can score goals in England, and he would not require a lengthy adaptation period. For Brentford, he scored 36 goals and provided 11 assists in the Premier League, a record that demonstrates both finishing ability and link-up play.

At 29, Toney is in his prime. He possesses international pedigree and a big personality, two traits that suggest he would relish the challenge of playing at Anfield under Slot. The Liverpool crowd demands intensity, courage, and decisive moments, and Toney has shown throughout his career that he is not intimidated by high-pressure environments. Whether leading the line or dropping deeper to combine with wide forwards, he offers a different profile to Liverpool's existing options.

💰 The Saudi factor and financial hurdles

Any move for Toney will not be straightforward. The striker currently earns £540,000 a week in Saudi Arabia, a salary that few clubs in Europe can match without significant compromise. As a result, a transfer would likely hinge on some form of financial flexibility from the player. Toney is believed to be open to returning to England, and the opportunity to move to Anfield before the 2026 World Cup could be tempting. A strong few months in the Premier League would improve his chances of forcing his way into Thomas Tuchel's international plans.

No deal is thought to be imminent, and Liverpool are understood to be considering a number of options. Yet the appeal of Toney is clear. He would arrive with something to prove, with a World Cup place to chase, and with the kind of physical and technical qualities that suit Slot's system. For Liverpool, the risk is relatively low if the deal is structured as a short-term arrangement. For Toney, the reward could be enormous.

🔴 A shrewd piece of January business?

If Liverpool can pull it off, signing Toney would represent a shrewd piece of short-term business. The club is not looking for a striker to define the next decade; that work has already been done through Ekitike and Isak. Instead, they need someone who can make an immediate impact in the Premier League, share the scoring burden, and help navigate a tricky period. Toney's Premier League experience, his goal record, and his personality all point to a player who could handle the pressure.

Factor	Why it matters
Premier League experience	He has already scored 36 goals and added 11 assists in England's top flight.
Financial compromise	His £540,000-a-week Saudi salary means a move depends on flexibility.
World Cup motivation	A strong spell could revive his international hopes before the 2026 tournament.
Short-term fit	Liverpool need an immediate contributor, not another long-term project.

The coming weeks will reveal whether Liverpool's interest becomes concrete. Much will depend on Al Ahli's stance, Toney's willingness to adjust his salary, and the club's broader transfer priorities. What seems certain is that Anfield officials are exploring ways to strengthen the squad for the second half of the season. With the title race, the FA Cup, and the Champions League all in view, a new striker could be the difference between a promising campaign and a trophy-winning one.

For Toney, the chance to return to England and play for Liverpool before the World Cup may be too attractive to ignore. For Liverpool, the move would be ambitious, practical, and potentially decisive. If the finances can be resolved, this could become one of the most intriguing stories of the January window.