The story is beautiful, perhaps too much so. Iliman Ndiaye, an OM fan who had been through the Marseille club’s training center, returned to Marseille through the front door last summer after a successful season with Sheffield United in the Championship. After tough negotiations with the English club, the Senegalese international, then aged 23, landed at Marseille Marignane airport with a welcome worthy of a rock star. A few hours later, he spoke of his happiness at being there and his desire to win titles.
Yes, but here’s the thing, the love story between Ndiaye and the Marseille supporters ended short. Arriving in a complicated sporting context with in particular an early elimination in the Champions League, average results in Ligue 1, and multiple changes of coach, the native of Rouen never really managed to give his full measure despite 30 L1 matches (3 goals and 5 assists). A feeling of unfinished business and even a kind of waste for this dribbler with undeniable qualities, but for whom the Marseille pressure seems to inhibit.
Everton and other English clubs are there
Despite everything, the Marseille club seems ready to give a second chance to a player under contract until June 2028. But will Roberto De Zerbi have the opportunity? According to our information, Iliman Ndiaye still has a very good rating on the English market, especially since his sparkling season with Sheffield (14 goals and 11 assists in 46 Championship matches). And there is a club that is completely crazy about the player. This team is none other than Everton, 15th in the Premier League last year despite 8 penalty points.
The Toffees have been keen on the Marseille striker for several months now. Last summer, they tried their luck with the player who ultimately preferred to join his favourite club. This winter again, the club from the banks of the Mersey tested the waters, but came up against the intransigence of Ndiaye who absolutely wanted to establish himself at OM. Today, things are a little different and this new approach could be the right one.
A first offer has been sent by the Toffees. There is a real desire on Everton’s side to complete the operation, especially since Iliman Ndiaye is their number 1 summer priority. Before that, it will probably be necessary to go through the sales box with in particular the possible transfers of Jarrad Branthwaite, Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Jordan Pickford, Dwight McNeil or even Amadou Onana. To be continued. Other English clubs, already present this winter, have also positioned themselves to try to recruit the Senegalese international who is decidedly highly sought after on the other side of the Channel.
