Iliman Ndiaye: Man United target throws doubt over Everton future | OneFootball

Manchester United target Iliman Ndiaye has thrown fresh doubt on his future with Everton ahead of a major summer for the 26-year-old winger, according to a new report.

Dribbling Demon

Ndiaye has enjoyed a superb campaign at the Hill Dickinson Stadium, propelling the Toffees to within four points of a European place and establishing himself as one of the most skilful operators in the Premier League.

The Senegal international was also outstanding at the Africa Cup of Nations, though the tournament ended in dramatic fashion despite the Lions of Teranga beating Morocco on penalties in the final.

Signed from Olympique Marseille for around £17 million in 2024, Ndiaye has proven to be one of Everton’s best pieces of business in recent years. His debut campaign saw him return nine goals, while this season he produced six goals and three assists.

However, this must be analysed through the lens of a talented player operating in David Moyes’s negative system, where attack is the first line of defence and forwards are expected to be more concerned with their work-rate off the ball than their contributions on it.

It is a testament to Ndiaye’s attitude and application that he has thrived despite these constraints, regularly carrying Everton’s attacking threat single-handedly, while demonstrating the dogged out-of-possession traits his manager demands.

The Rouen native’s display at the Etihad in the 2-0 defeat to Manchester City in October was one of the standout performances of anyone in the Premier League this season, showcasing the full repertoire of his skillset in difficult circumstances. It’s little wonder United took notice of this, with the club’s recruitment department understood to have identified him as a target with “brilliant skill, goalscoring and chance-creating ability”.

He also fits the bill for INEOS’s model of targeting Premier League-proven players – the same model which led them to sign Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha last summer, with noises emanating from Merseyside that United could repeat this trick.

A Major Summer Looms

The Athletic reveals Ndiaye has “rejected multiple new deals” in talks with Everton’s hierarchy, despite attempts to “reward his strong early-season form with fresh terms which would have made him become one of the club’s top earners.” Well-placed sources indicate the main sticking point is the “addition of an exit clause that could be triggered as early as this summer.”

Everton are understood to be keen to “protect the value of a key player and ensure they are the ones who dictate the timing or price of any potential future exit,” suggesting the player wants the clause, not the club.

“Interest is anticipated from Champions League clubs this summer,” the report states, though no specific options are named. Everton will use Newcastle winger Anthony Gordon’s £70m move to Barcelona as a benchmark to fend off suitors, while a contract with three years remaining further strengthens their negotiating position.

The prospect of a strong showing at the World Cup, with Senegal considered a dark horse at the tournament in North America, would further increase his prospective price.

Final Thoughts

A report relayed by The Peoples Person revealed Ndiaye considers United a “dream club” to join, while he has previously described Old Trafford as his favourite stadium.

If United plan to reignite their interest from earlier in the year, Ndiaye looks like a target who is ready to play ball over a move to M16 this summer – even if his club are desperate to keep hold of him.

Featured image Alex Burstow via Getty Images

online polls

The Peoples Person has been one of the world’s leading Man United news sites for over a decade. Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social