Al Ahly Joins Elite European Race for Nicolas Jackson as Ivan Toney Eyes Premier League Return

Al Ahly enters the race for Chelsea’s Nicolas Jackson. The Saudi club seeks to sign the striker as Ivan Toney eyes a Premier League return this summer.

By: AXL Media

Published: May 2, 2026, 6:56 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from YSScores

The Strategic Hunt for a New Offensive Spearhead

Al Ahly management has officially identified Nicolas Jackson as the primary candidate to lead their attacking line for the 2026/27 season. This move signals a significant shift in the club's recruitment strategy, focusing on high-potential talent currently competing at the pinnacle of European football. Jackson, a 24-year-old Senegal international, is viewed as the ideal successor to maintain the club's competitive edge in both the Saudi Pro League and the AFC Champions League Elite. The decision to pursue Jackson reflects the club's ambition to secure a mobile, versatile forward capable of duplicating the physical presence and technical output seen during the team's successful recent campaigns.

The Looming Departure of Ivan Toney

The pursuit of a new marquee striker is driven by the increasing likelihood that Ivan Toney will conclude his tenure in Saudi Arabia this summer. Reports from the United Kingdom suggest that the former Brentford captain is eager to return to the Premier League to bolster his chances with the English national team ahead of the upcoming World Cup. Despite a prolific period in Jeddah, where he has consistently challenged for the Golden Boot, Toney’s representatives are allegedly exploring options with several London-based clubs. His potential exit would leave a significant tactical void, making the acquisition of a proven European-level replacement a non-negotiable priority for the Al Ahly board.

Jackson’s European Tenure and Contractual Complexities

Nicolas Jackson’s current situation remains fluid as his season-long loan with Bayern Munich nears its conclusion on June 30. While the striker has contributed ten goals across all competitions for the German giants, Bayern director Max Eberl recently confirmed that the club will not activate the €65 million permanent transfer clause. This development returns the player’s future to the hands of his parent club, Chelsea, where he remains under contract until 2031. With the London club already securing new offensive reinforcements like Emmanuel Emegha, Chelsea is reportedly open to a permanent sale if a valuation in the region of €55 million to €70 million is met.