The Olympique de Marseille transfer window has begun. While Roberto De Zerbi has just set down his suitcases on the Canebière, OM has made official its first summer recruit in the person of Ismaël Koné. Now a former Watford midfielder, the Canadian nugget signed with the last 8th of Ligue 1, this Wednesday. While waiting for the arrival of Lilian Brassier from Stade Brestois, the Marseille club also aims to trim its squad. In this sense, OM has already parted ways with Vitinha. The most expensive recruit in the history of the Olympians, the Portuguese striker has headed to Genoa, the club where he had been on loan since last January, for a check of around 20 million euros, bonuses included. Now, it is Iliman Ndiaye’s turn to follow in the footsteps of the former Braga player.
Already courted by Everton last summer, the 24-year-old striker had finally given his preference to Olympique de Marseille rather than the Mersey club. However, the Rouen native has been the subject of renewed interest from the Toffees this month, the latter even going so far as to make a first offer for him, the amount of which has not been disclosed. If the Englishman’s first offensive was deemed insufficient in the eyes of the Marseille leaders, the second attempt was the right one for the English team. In very advanced discussions, the two clubs have finalized the last details of his transfer across the Channel.
Iliman Ndiaye is back in England!
And as we exclusively revealed earlier this week, the Senegalese international is leaving OM for a cheque for €18.5 million, with €2 million in bonuses. Quite a steal for the Orange Vélodrome team, who originally paid €20 million to poach him from Sheffield last summer. As such, Everton confirmed his arrival via a press release:“We have signed versatile forward Iliman Ndiaye from Olympique de Marseille for an undisclosed fee on a five-year contract. Welcome to Everton, @iliman_ndiaye!”.
A key player in Sheffield Utd’s return to the Premier League in the 2022-2023 edition, Iliman Ndiaye had high hopes when he arrived in Marseille. Welcomed with great fanfare by the Marseille supporters, the 24-year-old striker, who has never hidden his dream of wearing the colours of his favourite club, has not been successful this season. Despite an encouraging second half of the season and significant playing time, the Rouen native has only found the back of the net 4 times (his last goal in Ligue 1 dating back to 2 March) for 3 assists in all competitions. Less than a year after his departure, Iliman Ndiaye is therefore returning to England and will have the opportunity to get back on track with Everton.
