Iliman Ndiaye’s adventure on the Canebière only lasted one year. Ardently desired by the management of Olympique de Marseille during the last summer transfer window for his versatility, the Senegalese striker arrived in the Olympique squad for the sum of 20 million euros at the end of an excellent season with Sheffield United, punctuated by a promotion to the Premier League. Brilliant across the Channel, the 24-year-old player has had mixed fortunes in Marseille. Sometimes switched to the wings then to the axis, he had difficulty finding his place within the Olympique collective, very irregular in Ligue 1 and weakened by multiple changes of coach.
Despite 30 appearances in the French league for 3 goals and 3 assists, Iliman Ndiaye was offered a release by OM. A good omen for Everton. Greatly interested in his services last summer, the Mersey club returned to the charge once the 2023-2024 season was over. And as revealed exclusively in recent days, the English club ended up forcing its Marseille counterpart to give in following lengthy negotiations that resulted in an agreement for the transfer of Iliman Ndiaye. As announced this Wednesday by the British team, the main person concerned has signed a five-year contract with his new team.
Iliman Ndiaye wants to give his all for Everton!
Immediately after his official announcement, Iliman Ndiaye spoke about the reasons for his arrival on the banks of the Mersey during an interview with evertontv. “The main reasons I wanted to join the club were the size of the club, its history and the role I can play in helping the team in the direction it is heading. I am so excited and can’t wait to get started“, said the former Marseille player, won over by the speeches of the Toffees coach, Sean Dyche, Everton’s director of football, Kevin Thelwell, as well as his team-mate in the national team, Idrissa Gueye: “Kevin Thelwell and the manager both spoke to me and made me feel wanted. My Senegalese team-mate Idrissa (Gueye) also played a part and spoke highly of the club and a lot of good things.»
Looking to bounce back after a disappointing season in Marseille colours, Iliamn Ndiaye has displayed his ambitions with Everton, believing he has all the qualities required and the support needed to return to his former level across the Channel.As a player, I love to dribble, show my skills and get the fans out of their seats. I want to score goals and get assists, but I also like to work hard. I like to run, chase the ball, take the team high up the pitch. As a striker, you are the first defender. I am so excited. I want to come in and continue the progress the team made last season. I feel like I will be ready to help and I just want to give my all to take this club higher up the table.“, he conceded. A hell of an operation for the main party concerned, Everton, but also for OM who pocket a nice check in the affair.
