- Iliman Ndiaye has 6 goals and three assists this term
- The Senegalese is linked to a host of top Premier League clubs
- Everton are hopeful of keeping him for the next season
Iliman Ndiaye has been one of Everton’s standout performers this season. The Senegal international has started 29 of his league appearances and has contributed six goals and three assists. His dribbling, work rate and creativity have made him a key figure in David Moyes’ side as they push for European qualification.
Unsurprisingly, his form has attracted attention. Links to Manchester United, Manchester City and Arsenal have emerged. But according to former Manchester United chief scout Mick Brown, speaking to Football Insider, Everton are confident of keeping their star winger and will not entertain any offers.
Nick Brown: ‘Everton are confident they can keep hold of him’
Brown offered a detailed assessment of Ndiaye’s impact and Everton’s stance. “Ndiaye has done a brilliant job for Everton this season. He’s really put a marker down, proved his worth, and proved a lot of people wrong, including me, who had questions about his level.
“Everton are in contention for a European place and a big part of that is down to what he’s brought to the side to help them push up the table. For that reason, they’re going to be extremely reluctant to see him go anywhere else.
“He came into the side when Everton were really lacking that sort of creative player alongside the hard-working professionals they’ve already got. The value of impact like he’s had cannot be overstated, and David Moyes will want to keep him around, otherwise they’re back to square one looking for a replacement.”
Iliman Ndiaye would prefer to be at Everton
Brown also suggested that Iliman Ndiaye himself would prefer to remain at Everton, where he is appreciated, rather than move to a bigger club where his place would not be guaranteed.
“But given his importance to the team, I expect Ndiaye will be happy to stay where he is valued rather than going somewhere he won’t be guaranteed of a place. Everton are confident they can keep hold of him, he’s not out of contract or anything like that, and to be honest I have doubts about whether City would make a big offer anyway.”
Moyes is determined not to lose him, wanting to build on the success of this season and challenge for more next term. Ndiaye has been central to Everton’s resurgence, and with three games remaining in the current campaign, where European football is still a possibility, keeping him is a priority.
The interest from England’s biggest clubs may be real, but Everton appear firm to keep him at the club. As Brown put it, the value of his impact cannot be overstated. Ndiaye has found a home where he is trusted and celebrated. That is not something he will give up lightly and neither will Everton.
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