After Chelsea’s 2-0 win over Everton at Stamford Bridge on Saturday afternoon, captain Reece James was seen talking to Everton winger Iliman Ndiaye for a long time. This has led to rumors that he might move to Stamford Bridge in January.
As they both left the field, the England international was caught on camera putting his arm around the Senegalese forward and having what looked like a lively conversation.
Cole Palmer and Malo Gusto scored in the first half to give Chelsea three important points in their quest to qualify for the Champions League. With 28 points, Enzo Maresca’s team moved up to fourth place in the Premier League table.
Even though they lost, Ndiaye played well for the visitors and almost cut the lead in half when he hit the inside of the post with a powerful shot near the end of the game.
A video of James and Ndiaye talking after the game quickly went viral on social media, getting more than 100,000 views and 2,000 likes in less than an hour. The video showed James covering his mouth while talking to the Everton star. The Chelsea captain then pointed to the tunnel before they shook hands.
The interaction has led to rumors that Chelsea might be in a good position to go after Ndiaye in the next transfer window. This comes as recent reports say that Everton could ask for around £53 million for the 25-year-old.
Ndiaye has had a great start to his time at Goodison Park since joining from Marseille for about £15 million in July 2024. He has scored four goals and assisted on two others in 16 Premier League games.
If Chelsea is really interested, it would mean a big profit for Everton on their summer investment. The Toffees are currently in 8th place on the table, and they may have to make tough decisions about their most important players if the right offers come in January.
Ndiaye is a Chelsea fan
Ndiaye has said before that he likes Chelsea and some of their former players. The Senegalese international talked about his childhood loyalties to BBC Sport in August 2024, not long after his £15 million move from Marseille to Everton.
He said:
“Personally, for me, it is the best league in the world. Everyone dreams of being in the Premier League. It is not easy to get to it. I know a lot of players whose aim was to play there, but it hasn’t happened yet.”
The winger added:
“I watch football, I live football, I eat football – when I was young, I used to be a fan of Chelsea. I watched Eden Hazard and Didier Drogba, and it was amazing watching them play.”