Everton playmaker Iliman Ndiaye is being linked with a move to Saudi Arabia.
It emerged on Sunday evening that Al Hilal had opened talks with Everton to sign Iliman Ndiaye this summer.
The Saudi Pro League giants have just signed Crysencio Summerville from West Ham United, and now they’re eyeing Ndiaye as their next statement addition for manager Simone Inzaghi.
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? 🤔
It’s understood that the Toffees star is open to initial talks, so it seems like there are genuine legs to this deal.
That said, we’ve looked back at what Ndiaye said about his Everton future earlier this year.
Iliman Ndiaye said he was happy at Everton earlier this year
Speaking in January, Ndiaye made it very clear that he was really happy at Everton and wanted to win silverware with the club.
“I was always very keen to stay here and be part of this new chapter for Everton,” the 25-year-old stated.
“As I always say, if there are rumours or interest and things like that, it must mean you’re doing something right, right?!
“I am really happy to be at this club and be part of a new project with the new stadium, new ownership.
“It feels like a new adventure for all of us.
“I want to achieve things with Everton, I want to win trophies, which the Club hasn’t seen for too long, and things like that. It’s an aim for us to work towards.”
Those comments don’t sound like a player who would entertain a move to Saudi at this stage of his career.
So, even though Ndiaye will engage in initial talks, it seems pretty unlikely that he’ll agree a contract with Al Hilal.
It would also take a substantial bid for Everton to sanction his sale, with a £70m price tag quoted to Premier League clubs earlier in the window.
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