27/07/2026
66comments | Jump to last
-sm.jpg)
Al-Hilal are interested in signing Iliman Ndiaye and have 'opened talks' over a potential deal to sign the Everton winger.
The Saudi Pro League side have started initial talks to determine whether a deal can be done. Notorious transfer talker Fabrizio Romano has fanned the flames of a potential Everton exit for Ndiaye, by revealing the Senegal international is 'open' to what would be a lucrative move to the Middle East.
Negotiations are described as at 'early stages' but Al-Hilal have identified Ndiaye as a top target, fresh from signing Crysencio Summerville from relegated West Ham United in a deal that could reach £68m.
Everton are under no pressure to sell Ndiaye, who is contracted until 2029, and will no doubt use that figure as a benchmark in any talks.
The 26-year-old has been a central figure for the Toffees since his arrival from Marseille in 2024, though did suggest he'd be open to exploring an exit last month.
Ndiaye outlined his desire for Champions League football in June and, while a move to Saudi Arabia would not fulfil those ambitions, there would likely be ludicrous financial reward.
Romano reported earlier this month that Aston Villa had been in touch to discuss Ndiaye, as The Villans sought to replace Morgan Rogers. Villa are understood to have baulked at Everton's demands for Ndiaye, though it's unlikely Saudi suitors will do the same.
Reader Comments (66)
Note: the following content is not moderated or vetted by the site owners at the time of submission. Comments are the responsibility of the poster. Disclaimer ()
Ian Horan
2 Posted 27/07/2026 at 10:19:12
2 Posted 27/07/2026 at 10:19:12
It needs to be £75M plus sell-on %. I'm getting fed up of modern-day players.
Oh and we should insist he puts a transfer request in and forgoes any bonuses in his current contract.
Oh and we should insist he puts a transfer request in and forgoes any bonuses in his current contract.
Dave Williams
3 Posted 27/07/2026 at 10:42:05
3 Posted 27/07/2026 at 10:42:05
No one is bigger than the club. Hes good but not as good as he appears to think.
If the money is right and most importantly it is given to team building rather than the owners pocket then do it. If not, let him knuckle down and show what he can do.
If the money is right and most importantly it is given to team building rather than the owners pocket then do it. If not, let him knuckle down and show what he can do.
Andrew Ellams
4 Posted 27/07/2026 at 10:43:05
4 Posted 27/07/2026 at 10:43:05
Think some might be disappointed on what we get if this goes through. Summerville was £55m + 5m in add ons. I doubt we'll get much more than that.
Terry Farrell
5 Posted 27/07/2026 at 10:47:11
5 Posted 27/07/2026 at 10:47:11
Don't sell him. We need him for at least next season. And he is brilliant! My match day experience will be no where as good without Illy on the pitch.
Ian Wilkins
6 Posted 27/07/2026 at 10:49:34
6 Posted 27/07/2026 at 10:49:34
If the fee is right we probably should do this. But only on the proviso all the money is reinvested alongside other monies.
This squad is weak and desperately short on quality.
It shows where we are that we would sell our better players just to beef up the squad.
We’re not moving forwards at all in terms of playing squad.
This squad is weak and desperately short on quality.
It shows where we are that we would sell our better players just to beef up the squad.
We’re not moving forwards at all in terms of playing squad.
Raymond Fox
7 Posted 27/07/2026 at 11:02:31
7 Posted 27/07/2026 at 11:02:31
Sell him, if he's not happy to play for us get rid, he has good moments but the end product is not there.
The reality now is it's almost always about the money, which to be fair you can't blame them too much.
The reality now is it's almost always about the money, which to be fair you can't blame them too much.
John Collins
8 Posted 27/07/2026 at 11:09:31
8 Posted 27/07/2026 at 11:09:31
I don't fully understand the spend restrictions tbh.
Are we allowed to spend every penny of incoming transfer fees for players leaving?
Are we allowed to spend every penny of incoming transfer fees for players leaving?
Andrew Ellams
9 Posted 27/07/2026 at 11:13:04
9 Posted 27/07/2026 at 11:13:04
It all depends on revenues from elsewhere John which I guess are up this year on previous years but a long way behind other clubs.
No idea on the real technical details though.
No idea on the real technical details though.
John Collins
10 Posted 27/07/2026 at 11:21:29
10 Posted 27/07/2026 at 11:21:29
Thanks, Andrew.
Being honest, I don't think TFG will spend every penny available on players this season. Regardless of the rulings.
Being honest, I don't think TFG will spend every penny available on players this season. Regardless of the rulings.
Andrew Ellams
11 Posted 27/07/2026 at 11:33:30
11 Posted 27/07/2026 at 11:33:30
Not a chance, John. They're here to spend the minimum needed to generate the maximum.
Trying to get a club like this into the Champions League is too high risk for them to take that level of gamble.
Trying to get a club like this into the Champions League is too high risk for them to take that level of gamble.
John Collins
12 Posted 27/07/2026 at 11:39:24
12 Posted 27/07/2026 at 11:39:24
Carpet baggers, Andrew.
Leveraged buyout.
Leveraged buyout.
Andrew Ellams
13 Posted 27/07/2026 at 11:40:29
13 Posted 27/07/2026 at 11:40:29
Spot on, John!
Andy Meighan
14 Posted 27/07/2026 at 11:50:50
14 Posted 27/07/2026 at 11:50:50
John,
Brilliant terminology: 'carpet baggers' is spot on.
Obviously if this is true this is nothing to do with ambition but everything to do with the filthy lucre.
Apparently banged on about wanting Champions League football, yet the money men come in and bang, he's gone.
Let's face it, brilliant on his day but last season they were few and far between. The way I look at it these days is they're only on loan anyway; command £70M to £80M for him and that'll do.
He spewed it after Afcon anyway because of the World Cup and a potential transfer, so sod him.
Brilliant terminology: 'carpet baggers' is spot on.
Obviously if this is true this is nothing to do with ambition but everything to do with the filthy lucre.
Apparently banged on about wanting Champions League football, yet the money men come in and bang, he's gone.
Let's face it, brilliant on his day but last season they were few and far between. The way I look at it these days is they're only on loan anyway; command £70M to £80M for him and that'll do.
He spewed it after Afcon anyway because of the World Cup and a potential transfer, so sod him.
Tom Bowers
15 Posted 27/07/2026 at 11:54:05
15 Posted 27/07/2026 at 11:54:05
It's a business when all said and done. The club will just want to make money if they sell him.
The lad has talent and is exciting to watch on his day but he works for money and I don't blame him if he is open to a big money move.
A player's life can be cut short through injury, so they make money when they can, and the big clubs have all the cash.
Nobody is indispensable but we have to move on and cannot afford unhappy players.
The lad has talent and is exciting to watch on his day but he works for money and I don't blame him if he is open to a big money move.
A player's life can be cut short through injury, so they make money when they can, and the big clubs have all the cash.
Nobody is indispensable but we have to move on and cannot afford unhappy players.
Andrew Ellams
16 Posted 27/07/2026 at 11:54:14
16 Posted 27/07/2026 at 11:54:14
He's more brilliant for a few seconds at a time, Andy.
Great players have a lot more end product than he does.
Great players have a lot more end product than he does.
Steve Brown
17 Posted 27/07/2026 at 12:02:09
17 Posted 27/07/2026 at 12:02:09
Based on 2025-26 commercial revenue, I have read that we could have the headroom to spend £125-150M under SCR this summer. I wouldn't be surprised though if the £65M we have spent on George, Hackney and Rohl is the bulk of the summer transfer fund, with other incomings depending on sales.
Moyes is in the last 12 months of his contract and TFG won't give him big money to spend. They probably think that Moyes's strength in making a team difficult to beat might get us close to mid-table again without big squad investment this summer.
We were Bottom 6 for goals scored in the Premier League last season, and removing the goals and assists from Grealish and Ndiaye out of the equation leaves us with a blunt looking squad.
Moyes is in the last 12 months of his contract and TFG won't give him big money to spend. They probably think that Moyes's strength in making a team difficult to beat might get us close to mid-table again without big squad investment this summer.
We were Bottom 6 for goals scored in the Premier League last season, and removing the goals and assists from Grealish and Ndiaye out of the equation leaves us with a blunt looking squad.
Keith Gleave
18 Posted 27/07/2026 at 12:03:48
18 Posted 27/07/2026 at 12:03:48
What annoys me is, a player is brought in from relative obscurity, after not meeting his potential at two previous clubs. After having a good season and a half, he suddenly believes he is a world beater and decides he is worth more.
He is a good player, but not much more than that. He is not a 90-minute player, he does not shine when he has more than one marker, and he did not start many of Senegal's games at the World Cup.
If we can get top money from Saudi, then I would say take it and invest in other players.
He is a good player, but not much more than that. He is not a 90-minute player, he does not shine when he has more than one marker, and he did not start many of Senegal's games at the World Cup.
If we can get top money from Saudi, then I would say take it and invest in other players.
Paul Hewitt
19 Posted 27/07/2026 at 12:11:32
19 Posted 27/07/2026 at 12:11:32
Andrew @9.
I've read somewhere we should have around £150M to spend with the new rules.
I've read somewhere we should have around £150M to spend with the new rules.
Dean Williams
20 Posted 27/07/2026 at 12:14:01
20 Posted 27/07/2026 at 12:14:01
Been saying this for ages and getting shot down by half the muppets on here.
There's a reason he moves around, no consistency. Give me a Stephen Pienaar every day of the week over him. Cash in and move on.
There's a reason he moves around, no consistency. Give me a Stephen Pienaar every day of the week over him. Cash in and move on.
Andrew Ellams
21 Posted 27/07/2026 at 12:25:18
21 Posted 27/07/2026 at 12:25:18
Not a chance, Paul.
£150M may be what the Premier League rules would allow but no way these owners are shelling that out as a net spend.
£150M may be what the Premier League rules would allow but no way these owners are shelling that out as a net spend.
Pete Ambrose
22 Posted 27/07/2026 at 12:40:53
22 Posted 27/07/2026 at 12:40:53
Why would Everton sell Ndiaye for £70M? If Anderson has just gone to Man City for over £100M, then Everton should ask for in excess of £100M.
If Al Hilal want him, make them pay top dollar. It would cost a small fortune for Everton to replace him, so why not ask for the big bucks? If they don't want to pay an inflated price, then fine... Everton retain the services of a great player.
I would hate to see him sold for £60/70M as the cost to the side would be greater on the pitch.
If Al Hilal want him, make them pay top dollar. It would cost a small fortune for Everton to replace him, so why not ask for the big bucks? If they don't want to pay an inflated price, then fine... Everton retain the services of a great player.
I would hate to see him sold for £60/70M as the cost to the side would be greater on the pitch.
Mal van Schaick
23 Posted 27/07/2026 at 13:01:32
23 Posted 27/07/2026 at 13:01:32
Take the money and move on.
When he's good, he's good... but towards the end of last season, he was pretty much anonymous.
When he's good, he's good... but towards the end of last season, he was pretty much anonymous.
Andrew McLawrence
24 Posted 27/07/2026 at 13:10:26
24 Posted 27/07/2026 at 13:10:26
Highlights just about everything that is wrong with the modern game.
No loyalty, no bottle, and from a playing point of view, very little end product. Pack him off and buy some bright new hungry talent.
No loyalty, no bottle, and from a playing point of view, very little end product. Pack him off and buy some bright new hungry talent.
Nathan Ford
25 Posted 27/07/2026 at 13:32:45
25 Posted 27/07/2026 at 13:32:45
The one player we have who has that extra bit of quality to produce the unexpected. We need to keep him and add good quality full-backs who can support and overlap to give him more options and his assists and goal contributions will double.
If we lose Ndiaye and don't add players to the squad who know how to score and create, then we will be in a lot of trouble.
A lot of us fans want to see George and Dibling get more game time this season but risking the clubs premier league status on 2 players yet to score for us would be criminal.
No guarantees that any players from other leagues would adapt to the Premier League quickly either, so selling Ndiaye would be a huge mistake.
If we don't have much to spend, then spend all we have to buy a quality right-back as the priority signing. Sell McNeil, Patterson, Iroegbunam and Alcaraz (only as Moyes won't play him) to generate funds for another striker and try to offload one of Barry or Beto when the deal's completed. Hopefully bulk up squad with 2 loans with option to buy
If we lose Ndiaye and don't add players to the squad who know how to score and create, then we will be in a lot of trouble.
A lot of us fans want to see George and Dibling get more game time this season but risking the clubs premier league status on 2 players yet to score for us would be criminal.
No guarantees that any players from other leagues would adapt to the Premier League quickly either, so selling Ndiaye would be a huge mistake.
If we don't have much to spend, then spend all we have to buy a quality right-back as the priority signing. Sell McNeil, Patterson, Iroegbunam and Alcaraz (only as Moyes won't play him) to generate funds for another striker and try to offload one of Barry or Beto when the deal's completed. Hopefully bulk up squad with 2 loans with option to buy
Dave Whitwell
26 Posted 27/07/2026 at 13:36:42
26 Posted 27/07/2026 at 13:36:42
I always love that comment about wanting to play in the Champions League.
At the point of the Liverpool home game, there was an outside possibility we could have made Champions League, with Europa League almost a minimum expectation at that point. Following that, we squandered point after point.
Whilst I love Illy, he was one of a number of players that went missing from that moment on which ultimately saw us losing out on Europe all together but the opportunity was there for them to do that with Everton.
I love this guy though, he is the type of player that's worth the ticket money and has you off your seat. If he was to go, though, we can't be bullied on price; if they don't meet our price, which should be substantial, then we should walk away from any deal. We are in a strong position.
At the point of the Liverpool home game, there was an outside possibility we could have made Champions League, with Europa League almost a minimum expectation at that point. Following that, we squandered point after point.
Whilst I love Illy, he was one of a number of players that went missing from that moment on which ultimately saw us losing out on Europe all together but the opportunity was there for them to do that with Everton.
I love this guy though, he is the type of player that's worth the ticket money and has you off your seat. If he was to go, though, we can't be bullied on price; if they don't meet our price, which should be substantial, then we should walk away from any deal. We are in a strong position.
Alan J Thompson
27 Posted 27/07/2026 at 14:03:45
27 Posted 27/07/2026 at 14:03:45
See if we can get £85M for Ndiaye then make Man City an offer of £35M for Grealish and Lewis providing Grealish will take a 75% pay cut on a 3-year deal and it falls into the right SCR financial year.
And if that doesn't work, tell City we'll support their PSR appeal if they support us against Burnley's claim at the next Premier League meeting.
And if that doesn't work, tell City we'll support their PSR appeal if they support us against Burnley's claim at the next Premier League meeting.
Mihir Ambardekar
28 Posted 27/07/2026 at 14:12:53
28 Posted 27/07/2026 at 14:12:53
He is good with his tricks and has done well for us but he goes missing in games.
I think the deal can be done at £70-75M and that will also help us fund other players pretty quick. Hope this deal goes through quick.
I think the deal can be done at £70-75M and that will also help us fund other players pretty quick. Hope this deal goes through quick.
Ray Said
29 Posted 27/07/2026 at 14:24:45
29 Posted 27/07/2026 at 14:24:45
I think we should refuse offers and try and build around him. I don't want us to end up with a team of cross-country runners.
We need to keep hold of any players we have that can control a ball, beat a man, pass and shoot -- this lad does all of that and also tracks, hassles and pressurises opponents.
I would like to see him played in the centre, just behind the striker (assuming we remember what strikers looks like).
He is wasted playing auxiliary full back in the recent Moyes method.
We need to keep hold of any players we have that can control a ball, beat a man, pass and shoot -- this lad does all of that and also tracks, hassles and pressurises opponents.
I would like to see him played in the centre, just behind the striker (assuming we remember what strikers looks like).
He is wasted playing auxiliary full back in the recent Moyes method.
Ian Bennett
30 Posted 27/07/2026 at 14:42:22
30 Posted 27/07/2026 at 14:42:22
We need:
2 right backs
1 right winger
1 defensive midfielder
1 striker
Plus replacements for some of the below
Decisions on:
Alcaraz
Iroegbunam
McNeil
Beto
Patterson
Ndiaye
That is a lot of work to get through. No point selling Ndiaye for top dollar, if the above leave on frees.
2 right backs
1 right winger
1 defensive midfielder
1 striker
Plus replacements for some of the below
Decisions on:
Alcaraz
Iroegbunam
McNeil
Beto
Patterson
Ndiaye
That is a lot of work to get through. No point selling Ndiaye for top dollar, if the above leave on frees.
David West
31 Posted 27/07/2026 at 15:11:20
31 Posted 27/07/2026 at 15:11:20
This is from an Esk article. Sheds some light on the SCR position.
From 2026-27, Everton's allowable squad cost is 85% of football revenue plus net player trading. If their 2026-27 revenue lands at c.£260M, the allowable squad cost ceiling falls from c.£242M to c.£221M. With a current wage bill of £152M and player amortisation of c.£65M (total squad cost c.£217M), Everton are already in the high-80s/low-90s on SCR.
After reading this, I'm not expecting any huge signings unless we see players sold. Add in the George & Hackney deals (I don't know if Rohl counts) and I don't think there's much money left to spend.
Saudi normally pay over the odds, so let's hope it's his preference. But seems like sell to buy is our only choice!
From 2026-27, Everton's allowable squad cost is 85% of football revenue plus net player trading. If their 2026-27 revenue lands at c.£260M, the allowable squad cost ceiling falls from c.£242M to c.£221M. With a current wage bill of £152M and player amortisation of c.£65M (total squad cost c.£217M), Everton are already in the high-80s/low-90s on SCR.
After reading this, I'm not expecting any huge signings unless we see players sold. Add in the George & Hackney deals (I don't know if Rohl counts) and I don't think there's much money left to spend.
Saudi normally pay over the odds, so let's hope it's his preference. But seems like sell to buy is our only choice!
Jack Convery
32 Posted 27/07/2026 at 15:16:10
32 Posted 27/07/2026 at 15:16:10
I see Chelsea are after Danny Welbeck, that means almost certainly Delap is on his way.
I'm sure we all know where that will be. Don't we?
I'm sure we all know where that will be. Don't we?
Kevin Molloy
33 Posted 27/07/2026 at 15:29:15
33 Posted 27/07/2026 at 15:29:15
We seem to be holding all the cards on this, and as we know, nature abhors Everton having the whip hand.
I expect an announcement from Ndiaye in the next couple of days that he has no intention of being parcelled off to Saudi, and will be holding out for a cut price move to the Mancs on deadline day.
I expect an announcement from Ndiaye in the next couple of days that he has no intention of being parcelled off to Saudi, and will be holding out for a cut price move to the Mancs on deadline day.
Jay Harris
34 Posted 27/07/2026 at 15:32:54
34 Posted 27/07/2026 at 15:32:54
I don't know how true it is but I was told Ndiaye had said he will only return to training if the club agrees to his transfer. He is still holding out for Man Utd but money talks.
If true, we don't want this type of character around the squad no matter how good or entertaining he is.
I'm more concerned about our inability to get a right-back and decent striker in.
If true, we don't want this type of character around the squad no matter how good or entertaining he is.
I'm more concerned about our inability to get a right-back and decent striker in.
Raymond Fox
35 Posted 27/07/2026 at 15:48:29
35 Posted 27/07/2026 at 15:48:29
If he wants to go he doesn't want to play for us; it never works out well if you keep a player like that.
Foot up arse and get the best price you can, make way for a trier.
Foot up arse and get the best price you can, make way for a trier.
Bill Gall
36 Posted 27/07/2026 at 15:55:44
36 Posted 27/07/2026 at 15:55:44
If he wants to leave, let him, but do not play him, do not give him any bonuses, let him sit on the bench and not hold the club to ransom.
All players have a price, so hold off until you get the highest price possible for him, and set the team up to play without him.
I do not believe there will be any team bonding with a player who wants to leave anyway. You will not get the best out of a player who wants to move.
All players have a price, so hold off until you get the highest price possible for him, and set the team up to play without him.
I do not believe there will be any team bonding with a player who wants to leave anyway. You will not get the best out of a player who wants to move.
Terry McLavey
37 Posted 27/07/2026 at 16:00:53
37 Posted 27/07/2026 at 16:00:53
He seemed a shadow of his former self after the Afcon, also missing those two sitters at the end of the season was totally out of character, seeing what he was capable of.
I agree with some of the above comments: no point keeping an unhappy player, but he does seem to rate himself higher than we do?
I agree with some of the above comments: no point keeping an unhappy player, but he does seem to rate himself higher than we do?
Stu Darlington
38 Posted 27/07/2026 at 16:36:11
38 Posted 27/07/2026 at 16:36:11
There seems to be a lot of optimistic figures being thrown about on here. I don't think there's any chance of getting £70M for him.
He can be a very exciting player at times, with the emphasis being on the 'at times'. His end product is disappointing and he can be anonymous in games.
But a professional footballer's career is relatively short so, if he can make some big money going to the Saudi league, who can blame him?
So my view would be, if we get a decent offer, take it and move on, provided we can get assurances that any fees we get can be reinvested in the squad.
Don't get me started on TFG. Sure they've got the club on a sounder financial footing than under the last owner, but there seems to be a complete lack of passion in turning the club into a genuine competitive force in the Premier League... almost to the point of anonymity.
So, if they seem to lack any football ambition for the club, we can only assume that John's description of them above as carpet-baggers is correct. If so, God help us, we are condemned to more seasons of mediocrity.
He can be a very exciting player at times, with the emphasis being on the 'at times'. His end product is disappointing and he can be anonymous in games.
But a professional footballer's career is relatively short so, if he can make some big money going to the Saudi league, who can blame him?
So my view would be, if we get a decent offer, take it and move on, provided we can get assurances that any fees we get can be reinvested in the squad.
Don't get me started on TFG. Sure they've got the club on a sounder financial footing than under the last owner, but there seems to be a complete lack of passion in turning the club into a genuine competitive force in the Premier League... almost to the point of anonymity.
So, if they seem to lack any football ambition for the club, we can only assume that John's description of them above as carpet-baggers is correct. If so, God help us, we are condemned to more seasons of mediocrity.
David West
39 Posted 27/07/2026 at 17:46:04
39 Posted 27/07/2026 at 17:46:04
Yes, Stu. I can see fans turning pretty quickly if there's no desire to make the club competitive on the field.
It was a deep hole they shovelled us out of, which is their only saving grace at the moment. Everton fans will cut them slack only for so long.
It was a deep hole they shovelled us out of, which is their only saving grace at the moment. Everton fans will cut them slack only for so long.
Mark Steers
40 Posted 27/07/2026 at 18:00:28
40 Posted 27/07/2026 at 18:00:28
I like Ndiaye but playing for Everton doesn't suit his game. The tracking back that Moyes has him doing is too much for him.
He will get better, playing for a top team would be right up his street. I'm amazed Man City never went for him.
But sadly Ndiaye has no ambition, going to Saudi at the age of 26. Simply driven by cash, cash, cash. Get as much as we can and wave goodbye.
Oh, I will say sorry if this is not true but noises normally are right.
He will get better, playing for a top team would be right up his street. I'm amazed Man City never went for him.
But sadly Ndiaye has no ambition, going to Saudi at the age of 26. Simply driven by cash, cash, cash. Get as much as we can and wave goodbye.
Oh, I will say sorry if this is not true but noises normally are right.
Andrew Ellams
41 Posted 27/07/2026 at 18:10:59
41 Posted 27/07/2026 at 18:10:59
Stu, West Ham got £55M plus extras for Summerville.
I think we'll do well to beat that and be very lucky to see more than half reinvested.
I think we'll do well to beat that and be very lucky to see more than half reinvested.
Chris Keher
42 Posted 27/07/2026 at 18:11:18
42 Posted 27/07/2026 at 18:11:18
I'd love to keep him. He's a great player to watch. One of the few Everton players I can remember in recent times that gets the ball and runs at their defense (and is good at it!)
He works very hard defensively as well.
In a better team I'd think he would have much better numbers.
He's reportedly not on big wages and 26 so whilst I reckon he's liked being with us and being a 'main man' again I can understand he might want to earn top wages and try himself at a club where he might actually win something (after all it's not like he's a lifelong Evertonian).
Like with any of our players if the offer is big enough we have to sell - but he would not be cheap by a long stretch. I wouldn't entertain anything less than £80m.
If we got that I'd wish him all the best and reflect on what a great signing he was for us.
There aren't enough of this type of player in the game anymore I think. When I was a kid it felt like every team had a maverick that made footy fun to watch.
He works very hard defensively as well.
In a better team I'd think he would have much better numbers.
He's reportedly not on big wages and 26 so whilst I reckon he's liked being with us and being a 'main man' again I can understand he might want to earn top wages and try himself at a club where he might actually win something (after all it's not like he's a lifelong Evertonian).
Like with any of our players if the offer is big enough we have to sell - but he would not be cheap by a long stretch. I wouldn't entertain anything less than £80m.
If we got that I'd wish him all the best and reflect on what a great signing he was for us.
There aren't enough of this type of player in the game anymore I think. When I was a kid it felt like every team had a maverick that made footy fun to watch.
Christy Ring
43 Posted 27/07/2026 at 18:40:53
43 Posted 27/07/2026 at 18:40:53
I believe Ndiaye is a better player than Summerville, and I know contracts mean nothing now, his head is turned, and there's no loyalty from foreign players.
He's on low wages and a long contract; the ball is in our court, not his agent's, so why panic?
He's on low wages and a long contract; the ball is in our court, not his agent's, so why panic?
Ryan Holroyd
44 Posted 27/07/2026 at 18:55:11
44 Posted 27/07/2026 at 18:55:11
If the club rate him as an £80M player, then he should be paid as such.
You don't want to have an unhappy player at the end and it looks like we need the money.
He will have been offered life-changing money to move.
You don't want to have an unhappy player at the end and it looks like we need the money.
He will have been offered life-changing money to move.
Oliver Molloy
45 Posted 27/07/2026 at 19:08:10
45 Posted 27/07/2026 at 19:08:10
Excellent!
Brian Harrison
46 Posted 27/07/2026 at 19:10:17
46 Posted 27/07/2026 at 19:10:17
I would hope that, if Ndiaye is getting sold, then it happens quickly, so we can at least spend the money before all decent options have been sold.
I have no idea who is in charge of player transfers both in and out, seems every season we wait till the last minute to make purchases. Durely the point of pre-season is to get new players in early and play them in friendlies, not wait till the last friendly and give new signings 20 minutes prior to the season starting.
We have played McNeil and Alcaraz against Bolton yet the manager was prepared to sell McNeil to Palace and was reluctant to play Alcaraz last season. Are we really going to have another season of Beto and Barry alternating all season?
Still no sign of the lesser spotted Dibling; yes, I read he has a slight knock, usually a get out to not play him.
I have no idea who is in charge of player transfers both in and out, seems every season we wait till the last minute to make purchases. Durely the point of pre-season is to get new players in early and play them in friendlies, not wait till the last friendly and give new signings 20 minutes prior to the season starting.
We have played McNeil and Alcaraz against Bolton yet the manager was prepared to sell McNeil to Palace and was reluctant to play Alcaraz last season. Are we really going to have another season of Beto and Barry alternating all season?
Still no sign of the lesser spotted Dibling; yes, I read he has a slight knock, usually a get out to not play him.
Mike Gaynes
47 Posted 27/07/2026 at 19:32:11
47 Posted 27/07/2026 at 19:32:11
Raymond #35:
"If he wants to go he doesn't want to play for us, it never works out well if you keep a player like that."
Suarez scored 31 goals for the RS after he was forced to stay. Cristiano, Rooney, more recently Kane (twice) have all had huge seasons for holdover employers after their transfer requests were denied.
"If he wants to go he doesn't want to play for us, it never works out well if you keep a player like that."
Suarez scored 31 goals for the RS after he was forced to stay. Cristiano, Rooney, more recently Kane (twice) have all had huge seasons for holdover employers after their transfer requests were denied.
Ryan Holroyd
48 Posted 27/07/2026 at 20:24:10
48 Posted 27/07/2026 at 20:24:10
Problem being Mike them clubs didn’t need to sell. Everton do.
Izzy Selwyn
49 Posted 27/07/2026 at 21:01:36
49 Posted 27/07/2026 at 21:01:36
Answers why our transfer dealings have so far focused on midfielders, I think the club knew they will be cashing in on him. Could be this is why they haven't yet moved for a right-back and were counting on the Ndiaye money?
We can hope that they maybe have a top right-back and decent striker in the wings. Take £85M no less.
We can hope that they maybe have a top right-back and decent striker in the wings. Take £85M no less.
David West
50 Posted 27/07/2026 at 21:15:05
50 Posted 27/07/2026 at 21:15:05
Mike 47. Everton are probably quite happy he's rejected contracts, because he's probably our most saleable asset, along with Branthwaite, who will probably need to prove his fitness & injury issues are behind him before any club will offer a good fee for him.
If the SCR calculations are as tight as the esk predicts, we probably need a big sale to fund the other urgent holes in the squad.
Have the club offered him really good terms in this new contract offer? or a mediocre rise and has he seen it as sign of being pushed out to fund the rebuild?
The fee paid and the relatively small wages, would seem he would be ideal to keep with SCR, so maybe selling him, doesn't offer such a great upside, if you consider who would come, for what fee, and what wages compared to the steel we got him for.
If the SCR calculations are as tight as the esk predicts, we probably need a big sale to fund the other urgent holes in the squad.
Have the club offered him really good terms in this new contract offer? or a mediocre rise and has he seen it as sign of being pushed out to fund the rebuild?
The fee paid and the relatively small wages, would seem he would be ideal to keep with SCR, so maybe selling him, doesn't offer such a great upside, if you consider who would come, for what fee, and what wages compared to the steel we got him for.
Paul Griffiths
52 Posted 28/07/2026 at 03:21:49
52 Posted 28/07/2026 at 03:21:49
Jack Convery (32): Welbeck Jack and also Henderson. What is going on at Chelsea?
Edward Rogers
53 Posted 28/07/2026 at 12:35:49
53 Posted 28/07/2026 at 12:35:49
IF we have to sell, I'd rather it was Illy and not Branthwaite.
Jack Convery
54 Posted 28/07/2026 at 12:43:11
54 Posted 28/07/2026 at 12:43:11
Alonso willing to let Delap and JAckson leave Chelsea. Apparently they want more than the £30m they paid for Delap ! I wonder who will be stupid enough to pay more then £30m for him?
Danny Baily
55 Posted 28/07/2026 at 13:03:30
55 Posted 28/07/2026 at 13:03:30
Illy is... inconsistent. If a big offer came in I wouldn't begrudge the club cashing in. The squad lacks depth in other areas, and the money could help us build a competitive team.
Ian Bennett
56 Posted 28/07/2026 at 13:10:44
56 Posted 28/07/2026 at 13:10:44
Jackson on loan would be a very good signing. He has struggled at Chelsea, but he would be a hit with us.
I suspect we are stuck on signing players until we move on either a premium player (ndiaye is the best of the 3), or we try to shift alcaraz, Iroegbunam, Patterson, beto, or mcneil. The latter will only move late in the window id imagine, as none would be priority signings for anyone.
The club is likely to have currently £40-60m of transfer kitty left after the 3 arrivals, with probably only half thst available to pay upfront. That rules out buying a right back, defensive midfielder and right winger the team needs until ndiaye goes.
The ndiaye deal could allow a number of signings to be made, as Saudi will pay a fair fee for him, and the likelihood is all cash upfront.
My only other question is whether theyd take Beto with him. £200m for the pair would be great.
I suspect we are stuck on signing players until we move on either a premium player (ndiaye is the best of the 3), or we try to shift alcaraz, Iroegbunam, Patterson, beto, or mcneil. The latter will only move late in the window id imagine, as none would be priority signings for anyone.
The club is likely to have currently £40-60m of transfer kitty left after the 3 arrivals, with probably only half thst available to pay upfront. That rules out buying a right back, defensive midfielder and right winger the team needs until ndiaye goes.
The ndiaye deal could allow a number of signings to be made, as Saudi will pay a fair fee for him, and the likelihood is all cash upfront.
My only other question is whether theyd take Beto with him. £200m for the pair would be great.
Martin Berry
57 Posted 28/07/2026 at 14:34:55
57 Posted 28/07/2026 at 14:34:55
Its now clear that Gueye was leaving 2 months ago when "err indoors" was seen packing boxes.
I am going to speculate that Ndiaye was looking for a new contract with a lower release cause to allow him to move to the Middle East ? Everton have said its too low but negotiations going on behind the scenes ?
With this in mind I am also going to speculate that Everton asked him about his future before he went to the World Cup, and perhaps he had is heart set on a lucrative move weeks ago.
I also think that he will definitely leave and maybe Everton are waiting for this to happen, bank the cash, which is why moves in the market have slowed until this money comes in ?
I am going to speculate that Ndiaye was looking for a new contract with a lower release cause to allow him to move to the Middle East ? Everton have said its too low but negotiations going on behind the scenes ?
With this in mind I am also going to speculate that Everton asked him about his future before he went to the World Cup, and perhaps he had is heart set on a lucrative move weeks ago.
I also think that he will definitely leave and maybe Everton are waiting for this to happen, bank the cash, which is why moves in the market have slowed until this money comes in ?
David West
58 Posted 28/07/2026 at 17:02:42
58 Posted 28/07/2026 at 17:02:42
Yeah take Jackson over delapp all day.
If Moyes has the choice I would put my house on him going for delap.
We are crying out for pace, Jackson has bags of it, would offer another dimension to our attck, or we could go for another labourer of a big man battering ram,, haven't we got 2 of them ???
If Moyes has the choice I would put my house on him going for delap.
We are crying out for pace, Jackson has bags of it, would offer another dimension to our attck, or we could go for another labourer of a big man battering ram,, haven't we got 2 of them ???
Michael Kenrick
59 Posted 28/07/2026 at 17:34:14
59 Posted 28/07/2026 at 17:34:14
Latest from Patric Boyland at The Athletic:
Everton are aware of interest in forward Iliman Ndiaye from Al Hilal, but there remains significant work to do to complete a deal. The Saudi Arabian side have received enough encouragement from Ndiaye’s camp to consider a bid but talks are yet to begin between the clubs, with Everton expected to place a lofty valuation, similar to the £70M Barcelona paid Newcastle United this summer for Anthony Gordon, on a player who has 3 years remaining on his contract.
Everton are aware of interest in forward Iliman Ndiaye from Al Hilal, but there remains significant work to do to complete a deal. The Saudi Arabian side have received enough encouragement from Ndiaye’s camp to consider a bid but talks are yet to begin between the clubs, with Everton expected to place a lofty valuation, similar to the £70M Barcelona paid Newcastle United this summer for Anthony Gordon, on a player who has 3 years remaining on his contract.
Kevin Molloy
60 Posted 28/07/2026 at 17:49:31
60 Posted 28/07/2026 at 17:49:31
The negotiations will take 10 seconds. The tricky bit is us lining up the players we want to buy with the money.
If they are smart, they will do this before we tell the world we've got £75M burning a hole in our pocket.
If they are smart, they will do this before we tell the world we've got £75M burning a hole in our pocket.
Frank Worrall
61 Posted 28/07/2026 at 18:13:47
61 Posted 28/07/2026 at 18:13:47
I'm not a bit surprised to hear that Ndiaye wants to leave. The Saudis have unlimited funds and the grasping agents have been touting Ndiaye around every Club you can name. Loyalty and team spirit mean nothing to many players these days so if Ndiaye is happy to squander his talents for a bag of cash and perform in front of an audience of expats and foreign workers in half empty stadiums, good luck to him! I lived and worked in Saudi and a more soulless sporting environment I have yet to encounter. Besides, there is always someone better waiting to be discovered!
Jeff Armstrong
62 Posted 28/07/2026 at 18:33:57
62 Posted 28/07/2026 at 18:33:57
Apparently according to Radio Merseyside Ndiaye’s team have turned down 4 contract offers from Everton,
he’s so gone.
he’s so gone.
Mike Gaynes
63 Posted 28/07/2026 at 19:09:06
63 Posted 28/07/2026 at 19:09:06
So far this is all speculation.
The Athletic reported again just a few hours ago that there has been NO formal approach from Al-Hilal to the club for Ndiaye.
They reportedly have received encouragement from Ndiaye's agent, but there are NO talks ongoing with Everton.
Keep in mind this is the same agent who rejected multiple contract offers from the club unless they included a free release clause. Gee, I wonder who is stirring the waters on this with Fabrizio Romano and putting out the fake news about the 60 million.
I'll believe Paddy Boyland over Fabrizio anytime, and Boyland says it's all "hypotheticals" right now.
Apologies if any if this duplicates Michael's post. I wrote it an hour ago and forgot to post it.
The Athletic reported again just a few hours ago that there has been NO formal approach from Al-Hilal to the club for Ndiaye.
They reportedly have received encouragement from Ndiaye's agent, but there are NO talks ongoing with Everton.
Keep in mind this is the same agent who rejected multiple contract offers from the club unless they included a free release clause. Gee, I wonder who is stirring the waters on this with Fabrizio Romano and putting out the fake news about the 60 million.
I'll believe Paddy Boyland over Fabrizio anytime, and Boyland says it's all "hypotheticals" right now.
Apologies if any if this duplicates Michael's post. I wrote it an hour ago and forgot to post it.
Paul Kossoff
64 Posted 28/07/2026 at 00:02:00
64 Posted 28/07/2026 at 00:02:00
Everton will demand around £70M for Senegal winger Iliman Ndiaye, 26, amid interest from Manchester United and Al-Hilal. (Mirror)
Paul Kossoff
65 Posted 28/07/2026 at 00:04:11
65 Posted 28/07/2026 at 00:04:11
Not wanting a clash of interest, but should Iliman Ndiaye stay or should he go?😀
Gavin Johnson
66 Posted 28/07/2026 at 00:19:12
66 Posted 28/07/2026 at 00:19:12
Paul, I think Everton will demand at least another £10M and will ultimately get anything between £80-90M due to the length of his contract, the inflated market, and that the Saudi club have paid over £60M for a Championship player from West Ham -- who needed to sell and they still got an inflated fee.
I think £70M is a realistic fee for Ndiaye from another Premier League club, but we all know that there's an Arab tax and they pay more, and we will get more if he moves to the Saudi Pro League, in my opinion.
I think £70M is a realistic fee for Ndiaye from another Premier League club, but we all know that there's an Arab tax and they pay more, and we will get more if he moves to the Saudi Pro League, in my opinion.
Michael Kenrick
67 Posted 30/07/2026 at 10:59:23
67 Posted 30/07/2026 at 10:59:23
According to no lesser authority than his father:
"Many people called me to tell me that Iliman was going to leave. But rest assured, he is not going anywhere," his father is quoted as saying.
"He called me this morning. I even teased him with a few words in Arabic and we laughed about it. He let me know that he had no intention of going to Saudi Arabia."
Hmmm where's the salt? Doesn't seem to jive with the rest of the narrative. But it's a funny old game... Let's face it, we just don't know.
"Many people called me to tell me that Iliman was going to leave. But rest assured, he is not going anywhere," his father is quoted as saying.
"He called me this morning. I even teased him with a few words in Arabic and we laughed about it. He let me know that he had no intention of going to Saudi Arabia."
Hmmm where's the salt? Doesn't seem to jive with the rest of the narrative. But it's a funny old game... Let's face it, we just don't know.
Add Your Comments
In order to post a comment, you need to be logged in as a registered user of the site.
Or Sign up as a ToffeeWeb Member — it's free, takes just a few minutes and will allow you to post your comments on articles and Talking Points submissions across the site.
How to get rid of these ads and support TW
© ToffeeWeb
-sm.jpg)
-sm.jpg)
-sm.jpg)
1 Posted 27/07/2026 at 10:13:16
Love the lad but he's not yet the world-beater he thinks he is and £70M would be of use elsewhere.