Ndiaye Everton transfer speculation has refused to die down through the summer of 2026, keeping Toffees fans on edge over the future of one of the club’s most important attackers. Since the window opened, the Ndiaye Everton transfer conversation has swung back and forth between reports of an imminent Saudi Pro League exit and fresh claims that Everton have no intention of selling their Senegalese playmaker at all. This article gathers the reporting from multiple outlets on both sides of the story — those close to the player’s camp and Saudi suitors, and those close to Everton’s boardroom — to give a full picture of where things actually stand.
How the Ndiaye Everton Transfer Story Started
Iliman Ndiaye Everton talk first picked up pace in early August, when Football Insider reported that the club would be willing to sell to Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal if their asking price was met. Sources close to the deal indicated Everton were holding out for around £75 million, with Al-Hilal registering interest but not yet tabling a concrete bid. Ndiaye, who turned 26 that summer, had produced 17 goals and three assists across 71 appearances for Everton over two seasons, and had also caught the eye at the World Cup with Senegal.
Everton transfer news at that stage suggested the player himself was open to exploring the move given the scale of the wage package on offer from the Middle East, even though his father indicated in interviews that staying in Europe remained the family’s stated preference.
Al-Hilal Interest and Premier League Rivals Circling
Al-Hilal Ndiaye interest was described by multiple reporters as genuine but slow-moving, with the Saudi club reportedly opening direct talks with his camp before ever submitting a formal offer to Everton. During the same period, reports named several Premier League clubs as admirers rather than idle observers.
Ndiaye Man United links resurfaced repeatedly through August, alongside similar reports tying him to Liverpool and a long-standing interest from Arsenal. Ndiaye Man City interest was also confirmed by sources close to the Etihad club, who suggested City could move to hijack any Al-Hilal deal if the Saudi side failed to meet Everton’s valuation. None of England’s leading clubs were reported to be willing to match the fee Everton were said to be demanding.
Everton’s Contract Stance and Why a Deal Has Stalled
Everton contract offer talks form the other side of this saga. According to reporting from TEAMtalk, the club had already tabled a significant pay rise to extend Ndiaye’s terms, but he turned down several proposals through the year. His representatives were said to be pushing for a release clause to be written into any new deal, a sticking point that has slowed negotiations without breaking them down completely.
Importantly, Everton’s public and private stance hardened as the summer went on. Sources indicated the club had made it clear to intermediaries that any departure would cost in excess of £100 million, a considerably higher figure than the £75 million previously floated. Everton FC news coverage framed this as a deliberate show of strength, reflecting the fact that Ndiaye still had three years left on his existing contract, meaning the Toffees held the stronger negotiating position regardless of external interest.
Did Ndiaye Reject a Move to Saudi Arabia?
Senegal winger Ndiaye ultimately turned down the approach from Al-Hilal, according to TEAMtalk’s reporting, which stated the player made clear he did not want to move to the Middle East at this stage of his career. That decision reinforced Everton’s belief that Ndiaye was not actively pushing for an exit, even with his contract situation still technically unresolved.
The table below summarizes the reported interest and status of each linked club as of the most recent reporting.
| Club | Type of Interest | Reported Status | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Al-Hilal (Saudi Pro League) | Direct approach, major wage offer | Rejected by Ndiaye; move appears off | TEAMtalk |
| Manchester United | Long-standing admirer | Interested, not willing to meet Everton’s valuation | TEAMtalk, ESPN |
| Manchester City | Recent enquiries | Assessing attacking options, no bid confirmed | Football Insider, TEAMtalk |
| Liverpool | Admirer | Interest confirmed, no formal move reported | TEAMtalk |
| Arsenal | Long-standing interest | Tracking situation, no bid confirmed | TEAMtalk |
Everton Transfer Window Context
Everton transfer window activity around Ndiaye’s situation cannot be separated from the club’s broader summer rebuild. Manager David Moyes brought in forward Thierno Barry from Villarreal for a reported £27 million and completed the permanent signing of Carlos Alcaraz following a loan spell, while also adding depth pieces like Mark Travers and Adam Aznou. Everton’s willingness to invest elsewhere in the squad has been read by some reporters as a sign the club is building around Ndiaye rather than preparing to replace him.
The Other Side: Fan and Analyst Reaction
Premier League transfer news commentary around this saga hasn’t been unanimous. Some supporters and analysts have argued that Ndiaye, despite his popularity, is a luxury player whose output doesn’t always match his price tag, and that a large sale fee could be reinvested more effectively elsewhere in the squad. Others counter that his World Cup performances and importance to the team’s attacking play make him close to irreplaceable, and that letting him leave on the club’s terms — at a high valuation, with time still on his contract — is the only sensible outcome if a sale does eventually happen.
What Comes Next for Ndiaye and Everton
Ndiaye Liverpool interest, along with continued City and United admiration, means this story is unlikely to fully disappear even with the immediate Al-Hilal approach turned down. Everton’s valuation of over £100 million effectively raises the bar for any future suitor, while Ndiaye’s own decision to stay in Europe for now suggests he is not actively engineering a move elsewhere in the short term. Unless a Premier League rival is willing to test that valuation, the most likely outcome for now appears to be Ndiaye remaining at Everton into the new season.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Iliman Ndiaye still leaving Everton for Al-Hilal?
Recent reporting from TEAMtalk indicates Ndiaye turned down the approach from Al-Hilal and does not want to move to the Middle East at this stage of his career, suggesting that specific deal is no longer active.
Which Premier League clubs are interested in Ndiaye?
Manchester United, Manchester City, Liverpool, and Arsenal have all been reported as admirers at various points, though none have been confirmed as making a formal bid.
How much does Everton want for Ndiaye?
Reports have varied, with an initial figure of around £75 million reported in early August rising to a stance of more than £100 million later in the transfer window, reflecting Everton’s reluctance to sell.
