Senegalese star Iliman Ndiaye opens the door to future Marseille return | OneFootball

Regardless of the lean years, Olympique de Marseille remain a club of significance. And a club that leave their mark on those who have worn their colours. Iliman Ndiaye (26) can attest to that.

Playing for OM during the 2023-24 season, the Senegalese nevertheless experienced a difficult year, both individually and collectively. Having made 46 appearances across all competitions, the Rouen-born player proved decisive on just nine occasions, scoring four goals and providing five assists.

A meagre tally for a player who was signed for a fee of nearly €20 million and left the following summer to join Everton. Enough to fuel some regrets about how things turned out in what should have been an experience designed to take his young career to the next level.

Two years after leaving Marseille, Ndiaye does not, however, seem to have completely turned the page on his time in Marseille. So much so that he has even left the door open for a hypothetical return.

“When we discussed Everton’s interest with the club’s management, nobody tried to keep me here. At least it was clear…,” he explained, speaking about the background to his departure in an interview with France Football.

“It’s certain that if I’d arrived two years later, with two Premier League seasons under my belt, I’m sure things would have turned out very differently at OM. I’m a believer and I think what happened was meant to happen. Perhaps that season in Marseille even helped me later on. And I’m certain that the story with OM is far from over.” The message has got through.

GFFN | Léo Aschi