Iliman Ndiaye’s emergence as one of Everton’s most reliable performers has drawn attention across the Premier League, including from Liverpool, a possibility that would have seemed unthinkable not long ago.
As the Reds assess attacking options for the coming windows, Ndiaye’s name has surfaced on their shortlist, bringing renewed focus to praise he earned earlier in his career and the ceiling some believe he is still climbing toward.
That praise stretches back to his breakthrough at Sheffield United, when teammate Chris Basham publicly highlighted traits he believed mirrored Sadio Mane, who recently explained his decision to leave Anfield in 2022.
Speaking on Alan Biggs’ Sheffield Live TV show, Basham detailed just how difficult the young forward was to face in training.
“If Iliman’s on your team in training, you relax because you know he can do anything,” Basham said. “But if you’re up against him, he’s so hard to play against. He uses his body so well, his feet are so fast and he’s so powerful.”
Basham didn’t stop there, projecting a trajectory he felt was already taking shape. “He’s going to be elite. He’s learning very well, his finishing is good and he’ll be the first to put his hand up it can be better at times.”
“But he’s only 22 and he’s scoring some outrageous goals… The boys all buzz off how good he is and it's a privilege to have him in our side.”
The comparison that caught most attention came next. “I’ve said before that Mane was the hardest player I’d ever played against and he [Ndiaye] is right up there. He’ll be up there for sure. He’s from the same country as well and produces the same quality.”
Those qualities — acceleration through tight spaces, physical balance, end product — have since been on full display at Everton. Ndiaye has been one of the club’s top performers this season, scoring four goals and adding an assist while consistently progressing the ball upfield.
Sadio Mane scored 119 goals in the Premier League and Bundesliga in his career
Sadio Mane scored 119 goals in the Premier League and Bundesliga in his career (Image: Getty)
That form has caught the attention of several clubs. Tottenham and Manchester City have monitored him, while Liverpool have added him to a broader list of possible attacking additions. The Reds spent heavily last summer but remain active in planning for both January and the summer window.
However, Everton’s stance appears immovable. According to TEAMtalk, club sources have made it clear that Liverpool are the last team they would sell to.
A mid-season transfer has been ruled out, and even in the summer, the report states that it would take a “huge offer” for Everton to even consider parting with him.
Complicating matters further is Ndiaye’s long-term contract, which runs until 2029 and gives Everton strong leverage. That alone places him out of reach financially compared to other available forwards.