Everton might lose Iliman Ndiaye before the summer is out – but there is perhaps one upside.
It was claimed on Sunday evening that Saudi Pro League club Al-Hilal have opened talks with Iliman Ndiaye and his camp about a potential transfer.
It’s expected that the clubs will have talks soon, but Everton hold all the power given the player has three years left on his contract and ideally don’t want to sell.
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 everyone knows of the wealth that many Saudi clubs have, and the PIF-backed Al-Hilal may well make an offer that Everton simply cannot refuse.
Ndiaye leaving would be a blow.
But quite possibly, it might be the catalyst for Tyrique George to instantly hit the ground running at Everton after his permanent move.
Tyrique George may be closely following Iliman Ndiaye developments
George signed permanently for Everton a couple of weeks ago, with the club renegotiating with Chelsea to pay slightly less initially.
The Toffees are thought to have paid £18 million, with a further £6 million to arrive in add-ons.
It was a move that pleases most fans, with George having looked a livewire during his loan.
Now though, there is potential for him to become a hit very quickly.
How excited are you by Everton’s signing of Tyrique George on a permanent deal? Can he really kick on now after his loan?
The deal is now official, with the Toffees paying an initial £18m, with £6m to come in potential add-ons… ✅
If Everton cash in on Ndiaye, then that means one less rival for George for his preferred position on the left wing.
George can also play on the right and through the middle. But during his loan, David Moyes mostly put him on that left side, and that is the flank that suits him the best.
George is unpredictable and can go on the outside of his full-back before going for a cross, or cut inside and unleash a powerful shot.
On the right side, there he is less likely to take advantage of his impressive shot power, as he’d be cutting inside on his weaker foot.
So Ndiaye departing would, in theory, create more opportunities for George.
Of course, there is still the possibility that Everton could re-sign Jack Grealish this summer, which would impact George as he almost exclusively plays on the left side.
But Grealish is back at Manchester City now and could well get the chance for a renaissance there.
If Everton have neither Ndiaye nor Grealish for 2026/27, then George – who is determined to succeed – will be licking his lips. It would simply be a glorious chance for him to get early minutes under his belt and build momentum.
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