Everton are set to lose Iliman Ndiaye after Al Hilal agreed a deal to sign him in a move worth around €75m (£64m).
The Senegal international is expected to complete his medical before signing a four-year contract with the Saudi Pro League side, according to a report from The Athletic’s David Ornstein.
Ndiaye’s departure will come as a significant blow to David Moyes, with the forward having quickly established himself as one of Everton’s most creative and important players since arriving from Marseille.
The 26-year-old made a strong impact during his first two seasons at Goodison Park and the Hill Dickinson, becoming a player supporters connected with because of his direct running, creativity and ability to produce moments of quality in the final third.
Everton face difficult task replacing Ndiaye’s influence
While the financial package represents outstanding business for Everton, replacing Ndiaye’s quality will be the immediate challenge.
The Senegal international provided goals, assists and a different attacking dimension to a side that has often struggled to create consistently in the final third in recent seasons.
His departure leaves Moyes and the club’s recruitment team with another major decision this summer as they look to maintain progress following a period of significant squad rebuilding.
Record fee provides major boost for Friedkin era rebuild
A deal worth around £64m would represent a substantial return on Everton’s investment after Ndiaye joined from Marseille in 2024.
The move underlines the importance of identifying players with both immediate quality and future value as the Friedkin Group continues to reshape the club’s financial position.
Everton have been moderately active this summer, making permanent deals for Tyrique George and Merlin Rohl while adding Hayden Hackney from Middlesbrough.
The Ndiaye sale would provide further resources for Moyes to strengthen his squad before the new season.
ReadEverton verdict
Losing Ndiaye will hurt. Not least because, without Grealish, quality in the final third is lacking.
Evertonians had quickly embraced a player who brought excitement and unpredictability to the team, and his departure removes one of the squad’s biggest attacking threats.
But football decisions are rarely judged in isolation.
If Everton can reinvest a significant portion of this fee into two or three quality additions, Ndiaye’s sale could become an important moment in the club’s next phase. And, let’s face it, to lose him to a Saudi team is more palatable than losing him to an Arsenal or a Man City.
The challenge now is replacing him.
