Whilst Everton fell just short of their attempts to secure European football in 2025/26, David Moyes will no doubt want to right the wrongs next campaign.
Iliman Ndiaye will certainly be a player who is in high demand this summer, but the Toffees will be hoping to keep hold of one of their star performers.
The Senegalese international produced countless moments of magic in the Premier League last season - with his superb strike against Chelsea one of the highlights.
Everton winger Iliman Ndiaye
As a result of his tremendous performances on Merseyside last term, the 26-year-old was handed a call-up to his national side for the World Cup, but how did he get on?
How Iliman Ndiaye performed at the World Cup for Senegal
After being a part of Senegal’s squad for the recent World Cup in the United States, Ndiaye has been given an extended break and is yet to feature throughout pre-season.
However, such a break is no doubt deserved given his efforts for his nation, which saw the African nation exit the competition at the Round of 32 stage.
Iliman-Ndiaye-Senegal
However, the 26-year-old did manage to catch the eye despite the early exit, subsequently registering a goal and two assists despite featuring for just 113 minutes.
Ndiaye’s first contribution came during the group stage in the 3-1 defeat to France, as the forward laid on the assist for Ibrahim Mbaye’s superb strike.
Most G+As for Senegal at the World Cup
Player
Ismaïla Sarr
Pape Gueye
Iliman Ndiaye
Habib Diarra
Sadio Mané
Ibrahim Mbaye
Lamine Camara
Nicolas Jackson
His best display came in the 5-0 thrashing of Iraq during the final group game, as the winger found the back of the net and laid on assist despite only being introduced to the game in the 57th minute.
His underlying stats also showcase the positive impact he produced for his nation - subsequently completing 4.8 successful dribbles per 90, which placed him in the top 2% of players at the tournament.
Ndiaye’s tally of 3.2 chances created and 90% pass completion rate also highlight his quality within attacking areas - something which has seen him become a fan-favourite on Merseyside.
Everton could land their next Ndiaye this summer
The £15m fee to sign Ndiaye from French side Marseille back in the summer of 2024 now appears to be a phenomenal piece of business and one which could be Everton’s best in recent memory.
His form from the Premier League last season and recent World Cup will no doubt inject added confidence into his veins ahead of the upcoming 2026/27 campaign.
Everton's Iliman Ndiaye arrives before the match
However, if the Toffees are to be successful under Moyes’ guidance next season, added business may need to be completed - leading to rumours of a move for Stade Reims star Keith Nakamura.
It’s been reported by Foot Mercato that Everton have 'expressed concrete interest' in the Japanese World Cup star, suggesting that talks have already been held.
The report states that Marseille and Besiktas have also registered an interest in the 25-year-old, leading to a £20m asking price being placed on the attacker’s head.
Whilst he may be an unknown quantity to many Toffees supporters, Nakamura has produced some remarkable figures in Ligue 2 in recent times - many of which are in forward areas.
He would emulate Ndiaye in moving to Merseyside from a French outfit, with his stats from last term highlighting his tremendous quality with the ball at his feet.
The Japanese attacker ended the recent campaign on 14 goals and two assists from just 29 appearances - but was unable to help Reims secure a return to the top-division.
keito-nakamuraReuters/Tim Heitman
Nakamura was a relentless presence for Nicolas Usai’s outfit last campaign - as seen by his tally of 1.6 shots on target per 90, which placed him in the top 5% of forwards across Europe.
He also achieved a 50% shot on target rate, whilst finding the back of the net with every six shots he registered - ending the year as the division’s third highest scorer.
The winger also caught the eye with his chance creation last campaign, subsequently laying on 1.5 chances per 90 for his teammates, 0.4 of which were defined as big chances.
Such numbers are comparable to those of Ndiaye in the Premier League last campaign, with the Reims star hopefully following in his footsteps upon any move to the Hill Dickinson.
Like the Senegalese star, he impressed during the recent World Cup, subsequently scoring once and laying on an assist throughout his four outings in the United States.
£20m would be an expensive deal for Everton this summer, but it’s one which could add needed depth and quality into Moyes’ attacking department ahead of the new campaign.
keito-nakamura-lask
His ability to star at club and international level has no doubt caught the eye of the hierarchy in recent times - which could see the winger become a superb asset for the Toffees.
The similarity between Nakamura’s potential move and Ndiaye’s from two years ago are there for all to see - with the board needing to act quickly to secure the 25-year-old’s signature.
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Everton are showing off some ambition by setting their sights on this striker.