England striker Ivan Toney has claimed that the Saudi Pro League (SPL) is now on the same level as the English Premier League (EPL), insisting that his club Al-Ahli would challenge for a top-four finish if competing in England.
Toney, who joined Al-Ahli from Brentford in the summer of 2024, has already lifted two titles in his debut season in Saudi Arabia, scoring 23 league goals in 30 appearances, just two shy of Cristiano Ronaldo’s tally.
Speaking to The Guardian (via Goal.com), Toney backed Ronaldo’s earlier claims about the strength of the Saudi competition.
“For me, [the Pro League] is on a par with the Premier League. If Al-Ahli were in the Premier League, we’d be close to the top four. It’s a quality league and people should not turn their noses up. We saw Al-Hilal beat Man City [at the Club World Cup],” he said.
The 29-year-old forward played alongside stars such as Roberto Firmino and Riyad Mahrez last season, helping Al-Ahli secure the AFC Champions League and the Saudi Super Cup.
Ronaldo has consistently argued that the Saudi league should be recognised among the top five leagues in the world, and has even said it is already stronger than MLS in the US and France’s Ligue 1.
Toney’s comments add to the growing debate over Saudi Arabia’s football project, which continues to attract top European stars with lucrative deals and promises of elite competition.
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