€80m Everton Star Reach Personal Agreement With Saudi Club: Why The Toffees Should Still Not Lower Their Asking Price? | OneFootball

Al Hilal have moved a step closer in their pursuit of Iliman Ndiaye after agreeing personal terms with the Senegal international, although the deal still depends on reaching an agreement with Everton. According to Asharq Al-Awsat (aawsat), the Saudi Pro League club have offered the 26-year-old a contract worth around £270,000 per week, which is roughly €316,000 every seven days. The report states that Ndiaye has accepted those terms and is ready to complete the move if the clubs strike a deal. That remains the biggest obstacle.

Everton refuse to soften stance after Al Hilal agreement

Everton have no intention of lowering their valuation. The Merseyside club continue to demand a fee exceeding €80 million before allowing one of David Moyes‘ most trusted attackers to leave. With Ndiaye tied to a contract until June 2029, the Premier League side control the situation. His current salary in England stands at around €2.8 million per year, making Al Hilal’s proposal impossible to ignore from the player’s perspective.

The report, relayed by Transfer Feed, adds that discussions between both clubs are continuing. Everton have stayed firm despite the player’s willingness to move. During the 2025/26 Premier League season, Ndiaye scored six goals and supplied three assists in 32 appearances. Those numbers only tell part of the story because his pressing, ball-carrying and work between the lines gave Moyes’ side a different dimension throughout the campaign.

T4O take: Why Everton should keep their €80m valuation

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND – APRIL 19: Iliman Ndiaye of Everton celebrates scoring a goal which later ruled out for offside following a VAR review during the Premier League match between Everton and Liverpool at Hill Dickinson Stadium on April 19, 2026 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Gareth Copley/Getty Images)

Everton don’t need to rush. Personal terms between a player and another club don’t force a transfer, especially when three years remain on an existing contract. That single detail gives Everton enormous leverage throughout these negotiations.

Things have changed financially as well. The Friedkin Group have given the club greater stability, removing the pressure that once led to uncomfortable sales under the previous ownership. Everton can afford to stand their ground rather than accept the first attractive bid that arrives.

Finding another player with Ndiaye’s profile would cost a fortune. His six league goals and three assists were valuable, yet his overall contribution stretched much further. He pressed aggressively, recovered possession high up the pitch, linked attacks and constantly carried the ball into dangerous areas. Moyes built plenty of Everton’s attacking patterns around those qualities. Replacing all of that with one signing simply isn’t realistic.

Everton hold the stronger hand despite the player’s decision

Al Hilal have the financial muscle to complete deals of this size. If Ndiaye is genuinely one of their priority targets, an €80 million package shouldn’t be viewed as unreasonable. Everton shouldn’t negotiate against themselves because the player has accepted a lucrative contract elsewhere. Contracts still matter. So does timing.

There is another comparison worth making. The club secured a premium fee when Anthony Gordon left for Newcastle United, allowing Everton to strengthen different areas of the squad. Applying the same approach here makes complete sense. Ndiaye remains one of the team’s biggest attacking assets and has continued that form with Senegal, producing one goal and two assists in three matches during their run to the Round of 32 at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Everton should refuse to discount their asking price. The club hold every meaningful advantage because Ndiaye remains under contract until 2029, financial pressure has eased under the Friedkin Group and Al Hilal have the resources to meet the valuation if they truly want the deal. Selling below €80 million would weaken Everton’s position for little reward. If the Saudi club want David Moyes’ most influential forward, they should pay the full amount.