Everton winger Iliman Ndiaye emerged as a target for Al-Hilal last night.
The winger has yet to return to pre-season training with his club, but now there is doubt whether he will, with Al-Hilal’s talks with the player’s camp being reported last night.
Club-to-club talks haven’t started yet.
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? 🤔
But the Saudi Pro League club have set their sights on Everton’s talisman, despite having just landed Crysencio Summerville from West Ham United.
Ndiaye recently talked up playing Champions League football, but is now potentially looking at an entirely different challenge.
There’s money to be made here for Everton, however, there is something that makes this very risky.
Everton can sell Iliman Ndiaye but must ensure he’s appropriately replaced
Ndiaye is easily one of Everton’s best players.
He’s had two seasons with the Toffees and in that time, established himself as a top technician and fabulous dribbler.
For a player of his quality, he should have more goals and assists to his name.
But undoubtedly, Everton stand to make a fortune here. Because Ndiaye is a big name in the Premier League and has a contract with Everton until 2029. The club have also not wanted to sell.
So Everton could make absolutely millions, and there could well be a temptation to cash in – especially as this would allow Everton not to face Ndiaye, and he would not be making an impact for a Premier League rival.
But there is one clear risk that Everton would be running.
And that is just how adequately Ndiaye would be replaced.
It has not been a good summer for Everton so far, with the recruitment team having moved at a worrying pace – just three deals have been done so far, and two of those have been player loans being turned permanent.
Many would simply not have confidence that Ndiaye would actually be appropriately replaced.
Granted, he is a unique player and maverick.
It would be tricky to bring someone in who offers the things that he does.
But fans have already been expressing their concern about Ndiaye leaving and the concerns are valid.
There is also the notion of this interest arriving now, with less than a month to go until the new season starts.
Perhaps there has been a contingency plan in place for this scenario, but still, there isn’t a huge amount of time to lose your best player and replace him with similar quality.
Simply put, Everton’s performance in transfer windows since The Friedkin Group came in is very hit and miss, and that does not inspire confidence over the prospect of Ndiaye being sold.
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