Iliman Ndiaye is a transfer target for Al-Hilal (Image: Getty)
Everton have no plans to sell Iliman Ndiaye and believe they have full control over their star man’s future. The winger has attracted interest from Manchester United but, more recently, Saudi Pro League outfit Al-Hilal, according to transfer guru Fabrizio Romano. Everton are aware of the speculation, though no formal approach between the two clubs had been made as of Monday morning.
David Moyes has previously made his stance abundantly clear, insisting Everton have no desire to let a key player leave, and given Ndiaye’s contract situation, the club feel they hold all the aces should a formal bid materialise. Ndiaye has been a cornerstone of Everton’s setup since joining the club two years ago in a £15million switch from Marseille. The Toffees had monitored him for an extended period prior to that deal, leaving them well placed to strike when he found himself struggling in the south of France.
The 26-year-old’s Goodison Park career truly flourished following Moyes’ return in January 2025. The Senegal international netted a breathtaking solo effort in Moyes’ first victory back in charge against Tottenham, before keeping his nerve from the penalty spot to clinch a hard-fought win at Brighton.
Those crucial results enabled Moyes to swiftly steer Everton clear of what had threatened to become a punishing relegation scrap. Ndiaye then etched his name into the club’s folklore – on two occasions – by netting the last goal at Goodison Park and the first at Hill Dickinson Stadium.
Further memorable moments materialised last season, notably against Sunderland and Chelsea, although his domestic campaign was disrupted by Africa Cup of Nations duties as he led Senegal to success in the competition, though the outcome of the final against Morocco has subsequently become the subject of a legal dispute.
Ndiaye’s standing elevated following his achievements for both club and nation last season, and Everton have been prepared for potential suitors as a consequence.
Manchester United view the Senegalese attacker as a prospective signing this summer, and suggestions of Saudi Arabian interest will hardly come as a shock.
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Everton have no plans to let Iliman Ndiaye leave this summer (Image: Getty)
Moyes tackled speculation surrounding Ndiaye’s future head-on in April, stating: “He is the last person I would consider selling.
“There are others as well [that I wouldn’t want to sell], but my point is I have no interest in hearing the talk if there is talk out there.
“I don’t think there is any club that is not a selling club at the right value for their player. I am not saying that means he is for sale, I am not, I just think it is a genuine thing where there is a price where people would say: ‘Well, we have to do something.'”.
“But it is getting too hard to build teams and also supporters are looking for a quick return which managers are not getting. So why would we be giving up their better players?”
That stance is believed to remain Everton’s position as preparations intensify for the new campaign.
The club is not in circumstances where it must sell and, with three years remaining on his contract, they hold a strong negotiating position to handle any interest.
While there is recognition that club attempts to tie Ndiaye down to an improved contract this year have not yet resulted in a new agreement, there is no inclination to part with Ndiaye and the Toffees feel assured they will not be forced into a sale that, at the very least, does not occur on their terms.
A sale would only be considered with the prospect of substantial profit on the £15m they invested in him.
Al-Hilal have already concluded one prominent deal with an English club this summer, securing winger Crysencio Summerville from relegated West Ham United in an initial £55m deal.
Everton would likely use that sum as a refernce and stress Ndiaye’s consistent performances in the Premier League and on the international stage too.
The Mersyside club also insist that, unlike the Hammers, they are not required to offload players this summer, should Al-Hilal initiate genuine discussions over Ndiaye.
Ndiaye is yet to report to Finch Farm for pre-season owing to the extended break afforded to players who participated at the World Cup.