I’ll be honest — I’ve lost track of this one, so it’s fair to assume that you may have too.
Talks, agreed personal terms, a very reassuring phone call from Dad, etc etc. So we’ve built a timeline to keep everyone straight, ourselves very much included.
While we’re being honest: about a week ago we ran a story reporting Everton had agreed a €75m deal with Al-Hilal, based on a social media account we believed belonged to The Athletic’s David Ornstein.
It didn’t. It was fake, no deal had been agreed, and we took the piece down and corrected the record. Lesson learned — everything below is properly sourced, and we’ll flag anything single-sourced or unconfirmed as we go.
Ndiaye has been the subject of growing transfer speculation this summer, with Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal emerging as the leading contenders for his signature. Manchester United have also been credited with interest, though reports suggest they are now being priced out. Here’s how the story has developed, updated as news breaks.
Current state: Al-Hilal are reported to hold the strongest position, with Everton’s £75m valuation understood to be one they are prepared to meet. No formal bid has been confirmed. Ndiaye’s father has said his son has no intention of leaving.
How we got here
Throughout last season — Manchester United’s recruitment staff track Ndiaye over an extended period, including a formal scouting analysis (apparently – whatever that is).
Mid-to-late July — United’s interest becomes public, with Ndiaye seen as a possible left-sided addition for Michael Carrick’s rebuild.
27 July — Al-Hilal open formal talks with Everton, according to Fabrizio Romano. Talks described as early-stage, with any deal dependent on Everton’s willingness to sell.
29 July — Reports emerge that Ndiaye has agreed personal terms with Al-Hilal, including a reported £270,000-a-week package. No formal bid has been submitted to Everton at this stage.
30 July — Ndiaye’s father, Mouhamadou Abdoulaye Ndiaye, tells Senegalese outlet Wiw Sport that his son has “no intention” of leaving Everton, describing a phone call in which Ndiaye ruled out a move to Saudi Arabia.
He adds that his son’s ambitions — including winning the Africa Cup of Nations and the World Cup with Senegal — matter more to him than a pay increase.
2 August — Everton’s £75m asking price is confirmed as the key sticking point. Neither Manchester United nor Manchester City are said to be willing to match it, while Al-Hilal reportedly are.
3 August — United are described as being priced out of the race entirely, with Al-Hilal now considered favourites to complete a deal.
Where things stand
Ndiaye signed a five-year contract when he joined Everton from Marseille in 2024, and the club are under no pressure to sell. His father’s comments complicate the picture — they came after reports of agreed personal terms, and it remains to be seen whether that reflects a genuine change of heart or simply the family’s public position while talks continue behind the scenes.
Everton have not commented on their valuation.
This page will be updated as the story develops.
