Everton fans will share the same excitement as David Moyes in welcoming back Iliman Ndiaye over the coming days.
One more game awaits the Senegal international at the Africa Cup of Nations, with the final to be played on Sunday.
Ndiaye, as expected, has proven a major miss for Everton over the last month.
The winger’s creativity and goals have been sorely missed as the Blues have recorded just one victory since he departed.
Even Gary Lineker is excited for Everton to receive Ndiaye back from AFCON at some stage next week.
However, there may be a lingering concern among some on Merseyside over Ndiaye’s long-term future with the club.
David Moyes addresses Everton’s stance on Iliman Ndiaye’s future
Given the level at which he is playing, Ndiaye has received interest from across Europe and is expected to be at the centre of speculation this summer.
Everton are no longer in a financial position where they need to sell their best players anymore, but the club’s ambition will have to match Ndiaye’s.
Speaking to the media on Friday, Moyes has shed some light on where he stands when it comes to Ndiaye’s future after speculation of a rejected bid.
What concerns do you have about Iliman Ndiaye leaving Everton in the summer?😫
Surely Everton must hand him a new contract!
“Absolutely no truth in that. If there is, then I don’t know anything about it, that’s for sure,” Moyes quickly responded.
“We’ve got no intention of letting Ili go. None whatsoever. By the way, I’m sure there’s a price for every player on the planet if you look around.
“If you’re asking me, we’ve got no intention of selling Ili.”
Earlier in the week, Ndiaye admitted he wants to stay at Everton and get his hands on silverware in the near future.
Clearly improvements are going to be needed if Everton are going to do that in the coming years.
The question then changes to whether the Blues can bridge the gap to these top sides in a quick enough period for Ndiaye.
Everton must invest to keep Ndiaye around
As he continues to impress in this Everton side, it would not be hard to imagine Ndiaye wanting to play for a side competing in Europe.
Everton have ambitions of qualifying for Europe, but it is clear that the squad is still some way off that.
What do you make to that Everton fans? 😒
Adding players of Jack Grealish’s calibre and experience felt like a big step forward for Everton over the summer.
It can be debated whether the 30-year-old is having the effect Moyes would have hoped for, but regardless the Blues need to continue upgrading their squad this month.
The Friedkin Group are backing Everton’s January window, according to Moyes.
Progress has been excruciatingly slow in the market and that could well cost the Toffees in their pursuit of those European spots this season.
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