It’s nearly midnight in Surabaya, a bustling coastal city in East Java, when a familiar face appears on the video call. Jon Toral, now 31, carries the same warmth that once captivated Birmingham City fans, though with a matured presence and a fuller beard. Despite being 7,500 miles and seven hours away, his calmness contrasts sharply with the younger, anxious player fans once knew.
Toral enjoyed two spells at Birmingham City. The first, in 2015/16, saw the young midfielder dazzle with his skill, prompting fans to break the golden rule of never falling in love with a loan player. His second stint in 2020/21 was vastly different, marked by injuries and a challenging club environment.
In his initial season, Toral was just 20 and already showing the grace and talent Arsenal claimed in their youth ranks. During eight months on loan, he netted eight goals and assisted four, producing a quality Birmingham could only dream of owning outright. Alongside Clayton Donaldson, he helped manager Gary Rowett’s side defy financial troubles and mount a credible promotion challenge. That season was unforgettable: Toral swept up several player awards and left a lasting impression before returning to Arsenal.
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However, when Toral returned five years later, he faced a starkly different club—the stifling ownership of Xuandong Ren and the grim managerial tenure of Aitor Karanka. The once vibrant Birmingham had become a place of turmoil, with managerial strife, point deductions, and questionable contract decisions.
Karanka’s faith in Toral wavered, as did Toral’s confidence in his own fitness after a gruelling series of injuries. In a candid interview on the Keep Right On podcast, Toral reflects on the stark contrast: “The first loan spell was probably the best season of my career. Everything clicked—the team, the style, the people. The second time was tougher: different times, no fans due to Covid, a changed squad, and a different me.”
Looking back at that golden season under Rowett, Toral recalls the team’s tight-knit connection and the joy of playing. A volley against Ipswich remains among his finest moments. Yet, despite the magic, injuries cut short his campaign. Following that, loan spells in Spain and Scotland failed to ignite the same spark.
Hull City’s £3 million bid convinced Arsenal to part with Toral, but his time there was marred by knee problems and limited starts. Mentally and physically challenged, Toral struggled to replicate his earlier form. The frustration of unfulfilled potential grew, especially as he embraced fatherhood.
When Birmingham offered him a lifeline, he accepted, longing to recapture past magic. Yet, despite a brief resurgence—highlighted by a brace at Reading—the chemistry was gone. By summer 2021, the club opted against renewing his contract.
Recognizing the need for change, Toral moved to Greece’s OFI Crete and rediscovered himself. “I needed to leave England to find the person I wanted to be,” he admits. Sunshine and new surroundings restored joy to his life and game, even if he never fully regained the ‘old’ Toral.
After three seasons in Greece, a move to India’s Mumbai City provided fresh challenges and opportunities to experience diverse cultures with his family. Recently, the Toral family relocated to Indonesia, where he plays for Persik Kediri. Now a father of three and a contented husband, Toral cherishes his journey.
“I wouldn’t change a thing,” he reflects. “Everything that’s happened has led me here — a happy footballer, husband, and father.”
And Birmingham? “I still love that club from my first spell. That love hasn’t faded, despite the second stint being difficult.”
Toral’s story is a poignant reminder that sometimes, to grow and find peace, you have to step away—even from the things you love most.