Everton fans are waiting for updates on Iliman Ndiaye and today there has been a suggestion about his asking price.
On Sunday, it was reported that Al-Hilal had opened talks with Ndiaye’s camp regarding a transfer.
As of now, there still hasn’t been any contact between Al-Hilal and Everton.
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 player is open to the opportunity, which would undoubtedly see him earn huge amounts of money.
Fans have had a lot to say about Ndiaye’s potential exit, which has always been a possibility this summer given his rise over the last two years.
That said, many feel he is far too good to be going to play in Saudi Arabia at this point in his career.
Everton will do what’s best for them, though, and today there is word of a potential asking price – but the club could be selling themselves short.
Everton need to demand bonkers money for Iliman Ndiaye
The Athletic have reported that Everton plan to use Anthony Gordon’s transfer to Barcelona as something of a yardstick for their valuation of Ndiaye.
They say: “Everton are aware of interest in forward Iliman Ndiaye from Al Hilal, but there remains significant work to do to complete a deal.
“The Saudi Arabian side have received enough encouragement from Ndiaye’s camp to consider a bid, but talks are yet to begin between the clubs, with Everton expected to place a lofty valuation, similar to the £70 million Barcelona paid Newcastle United this summer for Anthony Gordon, on a player who has three years remaining on his contract.”
£70 million or ‘similar’ feels a little on the low side for Ndiaye.
Yes, his goal and assist numbers are not outstanding (17 and three in 71 Everton appearances).
But ultimately, Everton have a game-changing player on their hands, who has three years left on his contract. They ideally don’t want to sell.
Given those facts, Everton just cannot be selling themselves short in negotiations, especially when a mega-rich Saudi club are at the table.
There’s an argument to say that Ndiaye is probably Everton’s best player, and he will be very difficult to replace. He is also arguably a better player than Gordon.
This has to be reflected in the valuation.
Romelu Lukaku was sold to Manchester United for £90 million in total, which remains the club’s record sale.
Everton should now be trying to at least match that if Ndiaye is to depart in this window, given his importance to the side and his contract situation.
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