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**Headline: Toney’s Bold Claim: Saudi League ‘On Par’ with Premier League Sparks Debate**

**Kyiv, Ukraine** – Brentford striker Ivan Toney’s recent assertion that the Saudi Pro League is “on par” with the English Premier League has ignited a wave of controversy in the football world. Toney, quoted as saying his hypothetical Saudi team Al-Ahli would be a top-four contender in the Premier League, joins Cristiano Ronaldo in suggesting the Saudi League can compete with Europe’s elite.

However, the bold statement is met with skepticism. While acknowledging the player’s right to choose lucrative opportunities in Saudi Arabia, critics argue comparing the two leagues is a significant overstatement.

“Undoubtedly, a league attracting stars like Ronaldo, Karim Benzema, and N’Golo Kante has potential,” points out experts, “but the majority of these players are past their prime.”

While Al-Hilal’s victory over Manchester City in the World Cup is often cited, analysts note that Guardiola’s team may not have taken the match with full seriousness. A more telling statistic is the average attendance in the Saudi Pro League, which was reported to be a low 8,354 last season, lower than Ukraine’s League One. Toney himself admitted his Al-Ahli team has low attendance, but argued that the lack of fans did not matter.

“Ultimately, while substantial investment promises future growth, the Saudi Pro League still has a long way to go before it can genuinely challenge the Premier League’s dominance,” concludes reports. While Toney is entitled to his opinion, the data suggests ambition outweighs current reality.
*(Source: 112.ua – Use of site materials only with reference (for online publications – hyperlink) to 112.ua not lower than the third paragraph.)*

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