Ivan Toney's true feelings on life in the Saudi Pro League revealed just three months after big-money transfer
Ivan Toney's true feelings on life in the Saudi Pro League have been revealed three months after the England international made a £40 million summer switch.
After four seasons with Brentford, Toney left the Bees on transfer deadline day and signed for Al Ahli on a contract until 2028.
Toney had attracted interest from English sides but nothing materialised, leading to him moving to the Middle East and linking up with household names Riyad Mahrez, Roberto Firmino, Franck Kessie and Edouard Mendy.
Though Toney's transfer appears to have put him out of contention for the England said, he is said to be pocketing around £20 million per year and the wage will be tax-free if he stays for a full tax year.
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The 28-year-old has scored four goals in 12 appearances and a new report from The Sun provides insight into how he is finding life in Saudi.
There are a host of cultural changes which Toney has had to adapt to, not to mention the different training times and high temperatures.
Toney is living in Jeddah and it's claimed that he sees a strong resemblance to Milton Keynes, where he used to live during his time at Peterborough.
The former Newcastle striker sees similarities in the way in which the roads are aligned with modern buildings
A friend of Toney's told The Sun: "Ivan is loving life there because it reminds him of MK.
"They have the same system of roads and buildings.
“If it wasn’t for the sunshine, you could think you were in Buckinghamshire."
It was in MK where Toney met his other half, Katie Bio and the two have had children together. Although they are not married, the couple have received special permission to live out of wedlock in the country - much like Cristiano Ronaldo and Georgina Rodriguez.
Toney is believed to be "idolised" in Jeddah and is enjoying spending "quality time with the family" when not playing.
Having been banned for breaching betting regulations, strict Saudi gambling rules ensure there is no temptation for Toney.
Al Ahli are currently eighth in the Saudi Pro League and return to action on 22 November.
Topics: Ivan Toney, Saudi Arabia, Saudi Pro League, Brentford
Josh Lawless