Toney’s £40 Million Move to Saudi Pro League Hits Speedbump as Mahrez Foils First Goal Attempt
Riyad Mahrez’s refusal to let Ivan Toney take a penalty kick during Al Ahli’s Asian Champions League tie against Persepolis has raised eyebrows. It’s a move that went awry, as Toney, the £40 million summer signing, struggled to find the net yet again.
The Algerian winger’s decision to step up and take the spot kick seemed to surprise not only Toney but the entire Al Ahli coaching staff. The former Manchester City star’s effort, however, was spectacularly saved by Persepolis goalkeeper Alexis Guendouz.
The miss capped a frustrating evening for Toney, who made his full debut for Al Ahli only a few days prior to this Champions League encounter. The English striker, having left Brentford for Al Ahli in a marquee signing, will want to bounce back quickly after this setback.
Mahrez’s bold move, coupled with the penalty’s fortuitous save, brought an eerie sense of irony to the proceedings. On the eve of Toney’s anticipated first goal with his new club, fortune seemed to conspire against him. The forward remains in search of his breakthrough, with fans eager to see him find the scoresheet soon.
As football enthusiasts, we must concede that the Saudi Pro League has piqued many interests. The signing of Toney, particularly in light of Victor Osimhen’s Napoli deal falling apart, raised more questions than it answered. With each performance, we’ll gain better insight into the new talent and whether the Saudi transfer market’s allure remains true to form.
Will this miss become a wake-up call for Toney or a temporary blip in his Al Ahli chapter? As the drama unfolded, the Englishman undoubtedly felt a sense of bewilderment. Still, the pressure to deliver under the lights of the global stage can be intense – and only time will reveal whether he’s prepared to adapt.
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