Iliman Ndiaye has emerged as a new target for Al-Hilal, and the focus is now very much on what Everton will do.
On Sunday evening, Al-Hilal’s talks with Ndiaye’s camp were reported, but there have not yet been any club-to-club talks.
But the Saudi Pro League club will make contact with Everton soon regarding a possible transfer.
Al-Hilal have opened talks to sign Iliman Ndiaye! What do we make of this, Everton fans? 😳
How much should Everton be demanding, or should he be deemed untransferable? 🤔
The situation is not ideal for Everton, who have not had the best of windows so far.
The club want to be pushing on after the disappointing way in which they finished last season – and selling Ndiaye would be taking a massive risk.
But there will be a temptation to do so given we are talking about a Saudi club – and here’s how much the Toffees should be looking to get from this deal.
Exploring how much Everton should sell Iliman Ndiaye to Al-Hilal for
Everton genuinely have the chance to make a killing here.
Iliman Ndiaye cost about £15 million a couple of years ago, but the Toffees stand to make a huge profit on the Senegal international.
Ultimately, Ndiaye has become one of the best wingers in the Premier League since he came to Merseyside.
His output may not be amazing in terms of goals and assists. But there is no denying he is one of the best dribblers in the division, if not the best.
Ndiaye – who previously admitted wanting Champions League football – also has a contract until 2029, putting Everton in a very strong spot for any negotiations.
We then come to his importance to Everton. He is the Toffees’ best player and talisman, and has the ability to provide magic on the pitch. Often, he is the biggest source of inspiration to make something happen.
He can do things none of his teammates can, and things that not a lot of other Premier League players in general can.
Ndiaye is unique and a maverick, and would be very difficult to replace.
Then, there are other deals that have happened before that need to be taken into account.
Crysencio Summerville was just bought by Al-Hilal for around £60 million. Ndiaye is a considerably better player.
Anthony Gordon joined Barcelona for just under £70 million earlier in the summer. Again, Ndiaye is a better player.
| Iliman Ndiaye for Everton (2024-present) |
| Appearances – 71 |
| Goals – 17 |
| Assists – 3 |
It’s then worth looking at Everton’s current club record sale, which was Romelu Lukaku to Manchester United for £90 million in 2017 (initial £75m plus £15m in add-ons, via BBC Sport).
Ndiaye is just as important to Everton now as Lukaku was back then.
Factoring all of these things in, it is not unreasonable, given Everton ideally wouldn’t want to sell their best player, for the club to demand at least £80 million from Al-Hilal for Ndiaye this summer.
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