'I Think He’s Happy at Everton': Materazzi on Ndiaye Move Claim

Iliman Ndiaye is targeted by Manchester United ahead of summer transfer window
Marco Materazzi praises Iliman Ndiaye for a brilliant season with Everton so far.
Winger has shone this season, even on days when the team has underperformed.

Everton’s 3-0 victory over Chelsea on Saturday was a massive win. The Toffees are currently eighth in the Premier League table, just three points off fifth place Liverpool. If they can finish fifth, they can grab the fifth Champions League spot, which England’s coefficient ranking has likely secured.

Iliman Ndiaye finished with a curling effort in the 76th minute. It was his first goal from open play at Hill Dickinson Stadium since scoring the club’s inaugural competitive goal at the ground last August.

It was a strike worthy of winning any game, and it came amid renewed speculation about the Senegal international’s future for a potential move away from Everton.

Materazzi: ‘I think he’s happy at Everton.’

Marco Materazzi, the former Everton defender who made his first visit to watch his old club at their new stadium on Saturday, was in the stands to witness Ndiaye’s wonder-strike. The World Cup winner, who became Everton’s first Italian player in the 1998/99 season, believes the 26-year-old has no reason to leave Merseyside.

“Iliman Ndiaye is so fast, so technical and it’s not easy for anyone to keep up with him man-to-man,” Materazzi told Hajper. “I saw him score one amazing goal against Chelsea and he played so well so I think he’s happy at Everton. At the end of the game, watching him around the pitch, he looked happy.”

The Italian centre-back, who made 33 appearances for the Blues, pointed to Everton’s new financial reality under the Friedkin Group as a reason for optimism.

“In football you never know what can happen, but I don’t think Everton need the money. Their new owners have a lot of money. They want to take Everton to the top of the table. Everton could even get into the Champions League this season.”

Why Iliman Ndiaye should stay at Everton

Ndiaye has started 25 Premier League appearances this season, contributing six goals and three assists. Beyond the numbers, his influence is felt across the pitch. He averages 2.2 successful dribbles per game, wins 6.2 duels and recovers the ball six times per match. He has reflected the defensive discipline David Moyes demands from his wide players.

His consistency has made him one of the first names on the team sheet. Reports of a potential move to Manchester United have recently surfaced, but Materazzi, who played for the Italian giants after leaving Everton, suggested the Senegal international should look no further than his current surroundings.

“I don’t know if they have enough matches left to do it, but they are in a great position. Why would Iliman Ndiaye even need to leave Everton?”

Ndiaye’s contract runs until 2028. Everton are in a strong position. And with European nights at Hill Dickinson Stadium now a realistic prospect, the winger’s immediate future looks likely to remain on Merseyside.