Everton star man Iliman Ndiaye has admitted Beto is one of his very best friends in football despite the rumours over his future on Merseyside.
The winter window has now closed and Beto will remain at the Hill Dickinson Stadium for another few months, but there was a lot of uncertainty.
Beto had interest from clubs across Europe, with a potential return to Serie A being mooted as one of the main options.
David Moyes made the decision to keep the 28-year-old striker around at Everton for the remainder of the season, though.
The striker has not been in the best form this season, having netted just three goals, but the Blues are going to rely on him alongside Thierno Barry.
How much would it take for Everton to accept a bid for Iliman Ndiaye? 💷
David Moyes said every player has his price… 😫
Everton winger Iliman Ndiaye playing in the Carabao Cup and in the Premier League.
Credit: Getty Images/Clive Mason/Chris Brunskill/Fantasista.
Clearly, that is a decision that will please Ndiaye, with the Senegal international sharing just how well he gets on with Beto.
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Everton star Iliman Ndiaye names Beto as one of his best friends
Ndiaye formed a solid friendship with Orel Mangala at Everton before his serious injury saw him return to Lyon.
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The 25-year-old winger has now been on Merseyside for a year less than Beto, but the two have seemingly formed a strong bond at Finch Farm.
Will Everton need European football to keep Iliman Ndiaye? 😬
Surely a player of his quality will want to showcase himself on the top stage 🤩
Iliman Ndiaye ahead of playing for Everton.
Credit: Getty Images/Simon Stacpoole/Offside
Speaking to ESPN, Ndiaye spoke about his friendship with the striker.
“Man, I’m cool with everyone,” he said.
“I’m going to go with Idrissa Gana Gueye, I’ll go Beto and I’ll go with Charly [Alcaraz].”
Beto is not the only one to have his future speculated about, with Everton ready to reject any interest in Ndiaye this summer.
Whether or not Beto remains on Merseyside for next season is another question, though.
Everton must find an upgrade for Beto
Moyes is putting his trust in Beto and Barry to spearhead Everton’s hopes of an ambitious European finish.
This could be blind faith, given the two strikers have not been at the top of their games this season; neither have scored more than five in the league.
Everton were keen to sign a new striker in the winter window, but it is a window of opportunity for clubs and the right opportunity did not present itself.
Regardless of where Everton finish in the table this season, there is now a lot of pressure on the club to recruit well in the summer.
This season has already shown the demand for a top-quality striker.
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