They say it's not over 'til the fat lady sings, but Everton can already hear the same sad song as Iliman Ndiaye edges toward a transfer to Saudi Arabian giants Al Hilal.
The Senegalese forward was always going to pique curiosity this summer, and given that it looks like Everton's £70m asking price may not prove a stumbling block, there's every chance this one crosses the line.
Iliman-Ndiaye-Everton
It is a concern, if not a total surprise, and David Moyes and the Hill Dickinson transfer team now need to showcase their resourcefulness and ensure Everton do not lose their sparkle in attack ahead of the new campaign.
Why Iliman Ndiaye sale is so worrying for Everton
Ndiaye, 26, is one of the most attractive attackers in the Premier League, and over the past two years, has been among the leading goalscorers at Everton.
Beto might have tallied higher, but you would have to search far and wide to find a member of the Toffees persuasion willing to bank their chips on the centre-forward. Ndiaye, by contrast, is a phenomenon, fit for a future at one of Europe's elite.
Everton Top Scorers (24/25 - 25/26)
Player
Beto
Iliman Ndiaye
Thierno Barry
Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall
Michael Keane
His career isn't taking that turn, and he may instead move to Saudi Arabia this summer. It was always going to be a matter of if, not when, with Iliman Ndiaye, who has made it clear this summer that he wants to explore a fresh challenge.
But how to replace such an irreplaceable talent? The winger has played on both sides for Everton, has been lauded for his skilful and mercurial talents. He is not only a threat in front of goal, but a dangerous and dynamic creator and progressive option besides.
This only exacerbates a concerning situation revolving around Everton's attacking options - or lack thereof. Tyrique George's loan move has been made permanent, but he alone won't take Moyes' frontline to new heights.
Expect a couple of signings, with one target actually boasting the potential to eclipse Ndiaye's impact - again.
Everton in talks to sign an Ndiaye upgrade
In 2025/26, Ndiaye didn't actually have the best season in the Premier League. He only scored six goals, albeit bringing many of his further qualities to the table each week.
He tapered away toward the end of the term, and maybe he missed Jack Grealish. As per club insiders, Everton are engaged in club-to-club talks with Manchester City to bring the 30-year-old back to Merseyside this summer, having enjoyed a happy on-loan relationship with the England star last season.
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Grealish's campaign was cruelly cut short in January due to a foot injury, but he is fit again, and Everton are undeterred. Moreover, the player wants to return to the club, so with personal terms no issue, it boils down to negotiations with the Etihad side.
Last year, Grealish got off to a barnstorming start in the Premier League, registering four assists across six opening games. He was unleashed, leagues ahead of the lost player who struggled under Pep Guardiola's wing at City across two preceding years.
On the left, Grealish shoved Ndiaye over to the other flank, which perhaps contributed toward his downturn in output. True, Ndiaye is a more clinical attacker, but Grealish has greater influence in total, and it's something Moyes has recognised.
Premier League Form (2025/26)
Stats (* per 90)
Matches (starts)
Goals
Assists
Shots (on target)*
Big chances missed
Accurate passes*
Big chances created
Key passes*
Succ. dribbles*
Recoveries*
Tackles + interceptions*
Duels won*
The one-time Aston Villa superstar's fleet-footed dribbling, close control and intelligence on the ball makes him one of the more unique wingers in the league. He doesn't score that often, but then he doesn't try to, instead relishing the build-up and his role as a creator.
Ndiaye will need replacing with more than just Grealish this summer, but re-signing last year's loanee could allow Moyes and co to target a more direct player who could be fed balls with regularity. Grealish would be the architect, and if he can stay fit across the duration of the season, the Blues could narrow the gap on the European places they held onto before flaking away at the business end last year.
Could Grealish recapture that form? Could he become an attacking talisman for the Toffees in Ndiaye's absence?
Grealish might not be a natural-born goalscorer, but if Everton manage to bring another striker over before the end of the transfer window, Grealish could step up and be the influencer that this club needs to start knocking on the door of a European finish.
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