West Ham are hoping to snap up former Brentford striker Ivan Toney when the January transfer window opens, according to reports.

Writing on his Patreon, The Sun journalist Alan Nixon claims that the Hammers are “working” on an agreement to bring the England international back from Saudi Arabia.

Toney moved to Al-Ahli for £40m in the summer of 2024, and he has gone on to score 39 goals in just 55 appearances.

The 29-year-old could, though, be attempted by a return to the Premier League just 18 months after his departure to the Middle East.

Toney is a highly-rated centre-forward

Speaking after Manchester City beat Brentford 1-0 in February 2024, manager Pep Guardiola paid tribute to Toney and his ability to hold-up the ball:

“He is so dangerous. He’s a master at using his body for the second ball… Good finishing. You can link with him, he’s one of the best I’ve ever seen (at that hold-up play).”

“A few weeks ago the goal we conceded (a goal to Toney). We defended not properly but he did it really well. (Brentford) have the ability with Ivan Toney. He’s a master player. A really good player.”

West Ham desperately need more firepower

Scoring goals has been one of the Irons’ biggest problems in recent months. 3 of the 5 goals they have scored in the Premier League this season came during the win over Nottingham Forest in August.

The injury sustained to Niclas Fullkrug has weakened their options up front even further, with Callum Wilson and youngster Callum Marshall the only out-and-out forwards currently available to head coach Nuno Espirito Santo.

It would, therefore, be a tremendous coup if Toney is signed in the New Year, although there are still big question marks over how West Ham could afford his wages and a potential transfer/loan fee.

Read more about the West Ham First Team Squad for 2025/26 here