Conflicting reports spark confusion as Mouhamadou Ndiaye dismisses exit rumours, despite mounting speculation linking the Everton forward with a high-profile move to Saudi Arabia.
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Everton forward Iliman Ndiaye's dad has been commenting on his son's future at the club, and his comments don't make a lot of sense.
Ndiaye is clearly considering a move away from the club in the summer transfer window. We've seen multiple reports from reliable journalists that the Senegalese international is open to departing, and even open to a move to Saudi Arabia this summer.
It's no surprise that our better players would consider a departure. Many would have bought into the manager's comments that we're pushing for Europe, and that is the main goal. When that fails, there is naturally going to be disappointment.
I'm sure others will be considering their futures in the near future if it's another disappointing season, especially the likes of James Garner and Jarrad Branthwaite.
It's up to Everton to turn things around and head in the right direction if they want to keep their best players at the club.
Ndiaye's dad speaks out
Interestingly, Ndiaye's dad has now spoken out about the future of his son, suggesting that he isn't going anywhere. Mouhamadou Abdoulaye Ndiaye has claimed that the Everton forward sees a move to Saudi Arabia as a downgrade, and he's not about to prioritise money over his career.
“Many people called me to tell me that Iliman was going to leave. But rest assured, he’s not going anywhere. He called me this morning. I even teased him with a few words in Arabic, and we had a good laugh. He let me know he had no intention of going to Saudi Arabia. He knows he can earn a lot of money there, but he also thinks his level could drop. He’s not the type to prioritise money over his career."
Now, the comments just don't add up. As mentioned, many journalists have suggested that Ndiaye is open to leaving the club, but now his dad has come out to deny such things?
The Bobble has confirmed that Everton are yet to receive any club-to-club contact over a possible move for Ndiaye, so is his agent simply playing games in order to force the club into maybe weakening their stance over a new contract?
It's been reported that Everton aren't willing to include a release clause that Ndiaye's agency are hoping for. Are the agency pushing the narrative that he wants to leave when in reality, he's happy here, and his dad has let the cat out of the bag?
Who knows, to be honest. It's going to be an interesting few weeks in terms of Ndiaye. In reality, Everton need the situation solved pretty quickly. If he's going to be heading through the exit door, that needs to happen soon to give us time to find a replacement.
If he's going to stay, no problem, but Everton then might have to get a move on in terms of trying to shift other players.