Everton will no doubt be having a busy summer – and a name that is likely to come up a lot is Iliman Ndiaye, who simply must be kept on account of his ability to change games and potential to become a world-class star.
At the moment, there is already speculation about Ndiaye, who reportedly has admirers over at Manchester United.
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.
The Senegal international – who recently won the AFCON alongside Idrissa Gana Gueye – has established himself as a key player for Everton since signing from Sheffield United.
And it seems now that he has reached a level whereby other clubs would be very keen to sign him.
Everton ideally want to be adding to the squad this summer and not losing key players – and there’s an argument to say that keeping hold of Ndiaye could be the most significant play The Friedkin Group make this summer.
Iliman Ndiaye is Everton’s shining light
Everton are certainly not renowned for being a free-flowing, attacking football side.
For years now, the Toffees have been all about defensive solidity and pragmatism. At times, those things have been a must, with the club staring down the barrel of relegation too many times.
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For a while now Everton have been a tough watch, no question.
But Ndiaye has regularly shown himself to be that player with an X-factor. Someone capable of pulling a rabbit out of a hat.
Iliman Ndiaye celebrates after scoring for Everton.
Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images
Everton can so often be devoid of creativity. But when Ndiaye gets the ball, there is almost an expectation these days that he’s going to come up with something. And very often he does.
He has 16 goals and two assists now in 59 appearances for Everton across all competitions.
Considering the way Everton play, and who has been at the helm, those are not bad attacking returns.
Ndiaye – who cost £15 million (BBC Sport) – also has a 100% scoring record from the penalty spot in his career, which is not something to be overlooked.
Ultimately, Everton cannot afford to be losing a player of his quality and potential, especially since he is still a couple of years away from the start of his peak.
He’s only going to improve further, and potentially, he could explode once Everton appoint a manager who is more about free-flowing football.
Everton absolutely need to be keeping Ndiaye – and securing European football would theoretically really help the club to do that.
Encouragingly, it was claimed last week that TFG do plan to rebuff approaches for Ndiaye. Hopefully they’ll remain firm in this stance.
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
Ndiaye has already even suggested he wants European football, so to not have that to offer next season might make the task of keeping him more difficult.
We know that United are keen and there were also reports of interest from Inter Milan in Ndiaye last year.
The fact he’s so coveted really does suggest it would be a major boost if he stayed in the summer.
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