Matthias Jaissle has returned to the centre of controversy surrounding Al Ahli Saudi after reports claimed the former manager wants to take Ivan Toney away from the club.
Saudi broadcaster Khaled Al-Shنيف, host of the television programme Dawrina Ghair, raised the story on Tuesday, saying: “There is a circulating report that Jaissle wants to sign Ivan Toney.”
He did not clarify whether the proposed move would take place during the next winter transfer window or at the end of the season.
Al-Shنيف described the possibility as “the mother of all disasters” for Al Ahli, given Toney’s importance to the club’s results since the start of the current campaign. The England striker has become a key figure for the team following the departures of several prominent players at the end of last season, including Riyad Mahrez.
The former Al Shabab and Saudi Arabia player added: “If this happens, it would be the final blow for everyone associated with Al Ahli.”
Toney has made a significant contribution in front of goal this season, scoring 14 times and providing two assists in 14 matches across all competitions.
The report has further increased supporters’ frustration with Jaissle, whose departure from Al Ahli remains a source of anger among the club’s fans.
The German had overseen the team during its preparations for the current season before resigning to coach Newcastle. His decision prompted questions over its timing, particularly because Al Ahli were preparing for a new campaign after winning the AFC Champions League Elite for the second successive time.
Supporters believe Jaissle’s exit disrupted the club’s plans. They also criticised a number of decisions he made before leaving, saying they contributed to the departures of Mahrez and Franck Kessie.
Jaissle’s reported interest in Toney has therefore revived criticism of the manager at a time when the striker is carrying a major share of Al Ahli’s attacking responsibility. However, the report has not established whether any formal approach has been made or when such a move might be pursued.