Everton winger Iliman Ndiaye
A couple of years ago, many Everton supporters would have been unfamiliar with the talent of winger Iliman Ndiaye, but it’s safe to say he’s a player who has starred beyond all imagination.
The Senegalese international arrived on Merseyside from Marseille in a deal worth £15m back in the summer of 2024, as the Toffees looked to add needed quality and flair to the frontline.
He’s since racked up 71 appearances across all competitions, scoring 17 times and registering three assists - leading to huge interest in his signature this summer.
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Manchester United and Saudi Arabian side Al Hilal have both been strongly linked with a move for the 26-year-old, but it’s vital David Moyes’ side stand their ground and refuse any offers.
Why Ndiaye is irreplaceable for Everton this summer
Signing players of Ndiaye’s quality for just £15m is unheard of, with very few sides able to secure a bargain given the current nature of the transfer market.
Whilst fees of around £75m have been mooted for the attacker’s signature, the hierarchy must stand firm and keep hold of the attacker beyond the summer window.
Ndiaye
His stats from the recent campaign in the Premier League demonstrate his quality in attacking areas, with the board having little chance of landing a like-for-like replacement.
The 26-year-old completed a staggering 2.4 successful dribbles per 90 last term - the most in Moyes’ squad, also putting him ahead of 90% of attackers in the division.
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Iliman Ndiaye - PL stats (2025/26)
Statistics (per 90)
Games played
Goals & assists
Successful dribbles
Dribble success rate
Shot on target accuracy
Pass accuracy
Duels won
Defensive contributions
He even carried his excellent form over onto the international stage at this summer’s World Cup, subsequently a goal and two assists despite featuring for just 113 minutes.
Ndiaye’s tally of 3.2 chances created per 90 also ranked him above 95% of players at the tournament - further showcasing his phenomenal ability in attacking areas.
Such a quality has been lacking for the Toffees over recent months and cashing in on the winger could lead to catastrophic consequences in the Premier League next term.
How Everton could land their best signing since Ndiaye
With just three weeks to go until the new campaign, the Everton recruitment team will be looking to complete shrewd and affordable additions who can improve Moyes’ squad.
Christian Norgaard will undoubtedly fall into such a category, with the Toffees agreeing a £7m deal with Arsenal for the signature of the 32-year-old midfielder.
Christian-Norgaard-Arsenal
However, he’s not the only player currently on their radar, with Chelsea striker Liam Delap another option being considered ahead of the upcoming league campaign.
Journalist Ben Jacobs spoke on talkSPORT to provide the latest on the deal, stating: “At least two of Nicolas Jackson, Liam Delap, Marc Guiu and Emanuel Emegha will be shipped out.
“I think there’s a fair chance Delap goes. There’s certainly historical interest from both Everton and Newcastle and growing Premier League interest more generally.”
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There’s no denying some supporters may be put off by the 23-year-old’s failure to impress at Stamford Bridge, but the club would be landing a centre-forward who could be perfect for the manager’s system.
He’s previously showcased he’s capable of providing the goods in the Premier League - as seen in 2024/25, where he netted 12 goals despite being relegated with Ipswich Town.
Liam-Delap-Ipswich
Whilst he only netted one league goal last term, some of his underlying stats demonstrate how he can solve a lot of the issues currently on show on Merseyside.
Delap achieved an impressive 40% shot-on-target accuracy rate and registered 2.9 shots per 90 - often being denied by the opposition ‘keeper and preventing him from achieving a better goal tally.
Both of the aforementioned figures are higher than those produced by current number nine’s Beto and Thierno Barry - which could make the £40m man the club’s main talisman.
Moyes’ system demands an imposing and physical number nine - as demonstrated by the aforementioned duo - with Delap a player who’s more than capable of filling such a role.
The Englishman achieved a higher aerial duel success rate and completed more successful passes per 90 - which could arguably make him a better focal point to play off for the Toffees.
Beto and Barry have undoubtedly been way too inconsistent after their respective moves, with some of the hierarchy’s big-money investments certainly going to waste.
However, spending £40m on Delap could prove to be a superb piece of business for the Toffees, with the Chelsea talent having the skillset to develop into a world-class talent in the years ahead.
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He will need continued minutes and faith from Moyes, but should he receive that, there’s no reason why he can’t emulate his success from his spell in East Anglia.
If he gets anywhere near his tally of 12 goals from 2024/25, he will prove to be a successful addition and one who could join Ndiaye in being a fan-favourite with the supporters on Merseyside.