Everton have been rocked by the news that star forward Iliman Ndiaye wants to leave the club.
The Toffees have had a strong summer window so far as they look to improve on a 13th-placed Premier League finish last season, bringing in Hayden Hackney, and making Merlin Rohl and Tyrique George's loan moves permanent.
David Moyes is keen to make more signings before the new campaign begins, but while a number of positions are being looked at to be strengthened before the window closes, they may now have to find a replacement for one of their best players too.
Iliman Ndiaye Wants to Leave Everton
Everton forward Iliman Ndiaye in action against Liverpool
Fabrizio Romano revealed recently that Saudi Pro League giants Al Hilal have added Ndiaye to their list of targets for the summer window, after already completing a deal for Crysencio Summerville.
Ndiaye, who has been described as 'incredible', has been one of the top players for the Toffees since he joined from Marseille two years ago, and has attracted the interest of a number of top European sides, including Man Utd.
But it has now emerged that after holding talks with Al Hilal, the Senegal international wants to leave due to the financial offer on the table, but also because he has always seen Everton as a stepping stone.
"This is a concern I have had about Ndiaye since he first moved to Everton," insider Mick Brown told Football Insider.
"It always appeared that he was looking at Everton as a bit of a stepping stone, to get back into the Premier League and then assess his options. I'm sure I'm not the only one who was aware of that, the club would surely have expected it as well, so unfortunately this latest bit of news doesn't come as a surprise.
"Now, his agent has been speaking to different clubs and he's come up with this Saudi interest, and it seems like he wants to make that move.
"It's going to be hard for him to turn down that move, because there is going to be huge money on the table for him in Saudi Arabia.
"Obviously, Everton don't want to lose one of their best players, but they might not have a choice now because he wants to leave and he could push to make it happen. Especially now that talks have already taken place with Ndiaye and his agent, there will be pressure on Everton to do a deal."
Fees correct prior to summer 2026
All 10 found — excellent!
Ndiaye Sale Will Be Major Blow
ndiaye
Everton aren't a team blessed with top attacking talent, but Ndiaye is someone they have who is a genuine game changer. Losing him would be nothing less than a major blow, but there is a way to recover from it.
Should he be sold, he would undoubtedly bring in a major fee, and that would allow the club to reinvest in several areas of the squad and become stronger overall. They still have players like Tyler Dibling, Tyrique George, and Dwight McNeil to call upon, while they would almost certainly sign a top-level replacement too.
It could be a chance to really upgrade the squad with a big sale, but in an ideal world, Everton will be hoping they can keep hold of their star man.
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