Full Breakdown
Iliman Ndiaye’s Transfer Saga: United, Everton and Saudi Interest
7/29/2026, 2:14:49 PM
Transfer Developments
Everton’s Senegalese winger Iliman Ndiaye is the subject of competing approaches this summer. Manchester United have placed the 26-year-old on a shortlist of left-wing options, according to a report from *The Athletic*. At the same time, Saudi Arabian club Al-Hilal have opened formal talks with Everton, with the Saudi side reportedly offering a weekly wage of £270,000, as cited by *Asharq Al-Awsat* and reported by *Goal*. Everton are said to be holding out for a transfer fee of around £70 million, a figure comparable to the £70 million Barcelona paid Newcastle United for Anthony Gordon earlier this year.
Background and Player Profile
Ndiaye joined Everton from Olympique Marseille in the summer of 2024 for a reported £15 million. In his first season he made 34 appearances, scoring six goals and providing three assists. He also featured for Senegal at the World Cup, starting one of four matches and contributing a goal and two assists in 127 minutes of play.
Financial Details
The £70 million fee demand would make Ndiaye the most expensive signing in Everton’s recent history and more costly than Dutch winger Crysencio Summerville, whom Al-Hilal signed for roughly €80 million. The proposed Saudi wage package would be “astronomical” by Premier League standards, potentially eclipsing the salaries of many top-flight players. Ndiaye still has three years remaining on his Everton contract, and the club has indicated no urgency to sell.
Player Ambition and Club Positions
In an interview with *Sport Bible*, Ndiaye stated that his ambition is to play regularly in the UEFA Champions League, arguing that competing at the highest level is essential to becoming the best player he can be. Manchester United’s interest aligns with that goal, as the club seeks to strengthen its left flank, while Al-Hilal’s financial offer could provide a lucrative alternative. Everton appear prepared to retain the player unless a fee matching their valuation is met.
Potential Impact
Should United secure Ndiaye, the transfer would address a positional need without the £117 million outlay required for other targets. A move to Al-Hilal would illustrate the growing financial pull of Saudi clubs on Premier League talent, potentially prompting further negotiations over high-value players in future windows.
