Iliman Ndiayi targeted by Al Hilal (Image: Getty)
Everton have no plans to sell Iliman Ndiaye and believe they have full control over their star man’s future. According to transfer guru Fabrizio Romano, the winger has attracted interest from Manchester United and more recently from Al Hilal of the Saudi Professional League. Everton are aware of the speculation, but as of Monday morning no formal approach had been made between the two clubs.
Manager David Moyes has previously made his position abundantly clear, insisting that Everton have no intention of letting any of their key players leave and, given Ndiaye’s contract situation, believes the club will be able to secure all of their aces even if a formal bid is made. Ndiaye has been a key part of Everton’s setup since arriving from Marseille for £15m two years ago. The Toffees had been monitoring him for a long time prior to that deal and were in a good position to attack them when they realized he was struggling in the south of France.
The 26-year-old’s career at Goodison Park truly blossomed after Moyes returned as manager in January 2025. The Senegalese international scored a breathtaking solo goal against Tottenham in Moyes’ first win on his return, then held his own from the penalty spot to seal a hard-fought victory over Brighton.
These important results enabled Moyes to quickly steer Everton away from what could have been a painful relegation scrap. Ndiaye then scored twice, his last goal at Goodison Park and his first at the Hill Dickinson Stadium, etching his name into club lore.
Further memorable moments materialized last season, particularly against Sunderland and Chelsea, but domestic action was interrupted by African Cup of Nations duties as he led Senegal to success in the competition, while the result of the final against Morocco was subsequently the subject of a legal dispute.
Ndiaye’s status has increased following his exploits for both club and country last season, and as a result Everton are preparing themselves for potential suitors.
Manchester United are eyeing a potential move for the Senegalese attacker this summer, and hints of interest from Saudi Arabia are no surprise.
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Everton have no plans to let Iliman Ndiaye leave this summer (Image: Getty)
Moyes tackled speculation over Ndiaye’s future head-on in April, saying: “He is the last person I would consider selling.
“There are other things (I don’t want to sell), but what I’m saying is, if there’s a story out there, I’m not going to listen to it.
“I don’t think there’s a club that wouldn’t sell for the right value for a player. I’m not saying that means he’ll be put up for sale, but I don’t think that’s the case. I think it’s genuine that there’s a price at which people would say, ‘Well, we’ve got to do something.’
“But it’s become too difficult to build teams and supporters want quick returns that managers can’t get. So why should we let our better players go?”
Everton’s position is expected to remain unchanged as preparations for the new season intensify.
The club are not in a position to sell him and, with three years left on his contract, are in a strong negotiating position to deal with any interest.
It is understood the club are looking to tie Ndiaye to an improved deal this year, but a new deal has not yet been reached, but they have no intention of parting ways with Ndiaye and the Toffees are confident they will at least not be forced to sell him off the terms.
A sale would only be considered if there was a significant return on the £15m they invested in him.
Al Hilal have already made one big deal with an English club this summer, signing winger Crisencio Somerville from relegated West Ham United in an initial £55m deal.
Everton will likely use this amount as a reference and highlight N’Diai’s consistent performances not only in the Premier League but also on the international stage.
The Merseyside club also insists, unlike the Hammers, there is no need to release any players this summer, even if Al Hilal begin serious talks regarding Ndiay.
Ndiaye has yet to report to Finch Farm for pre-season due to the extended holiday given to players who participated in the World Cup.
