Romano stokes Everton exit rumours for Ndiaye as Al-Hilal 'open talks' over a deal | OneFootball

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.

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Ian Horan 2 Posted 27/07/2026 at 10:19:12

needs to be £75 mill plus sell on %. 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

Dave Williams 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.

Andrew Ellams 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

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

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.

Raymond Fox 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.

John Collins 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?

Andrew Ellams 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.

John Collins 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.

Andrew Ellams 11 Posted 27/07/2026 at 11:33:30

Not a chance John. They're hear 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.