Everton set £70m price tag on Iliman Ndiaye amid Manchester United interest
Everton have set a £70m price tag on Iliman Ndiaye, a Senegalese forward who has emerged as one of the more intriguing names of the summer. The Toffees are in no rush to sell the 26-year-old, who has three years left on his contract.
What happened?
According to reports, Everton will demand around £70m for Ndiaye, who has produced "a couple of eye-catching seasons on Merseyside". The Senegalese forward has scored 17 goals and provided three assists in 71 appearances for the Toffees.
Why it matters for Everton
Everton's stance on Ndiaye is driven by his contract and market value. The Toffees signed him for £15m from Marseille two years ago, and there have been suggestions they wanted to offer improved terms to ward off suitors. However, Ndiaye has reportedly rejected the proposals.
What comes next?
The biggest clue may be the player's own words. Before the World Cup, Ndiaye said: "You don't know where football will take you next." He then added, "As I've always said, I want to be the best player and to do that, you have to play at the top. I want to be playing at the top level. I want to be playing Champions League football."
Our View
From an Everton supporter's perspective, this is exhausting because it always feels like the same cycle. Find a player, improve him, watch bigger or richer clubs hover, then brace for the spin about ambition and market value. If Ndiaye wants Champions League football, fair enough. He said it plainly, "I want to be playing Champions League football."
Everton are currently 13th in the Premier League, with 49 points from 38 games. They have scored 47 goals and conceded 50, with a goal difference of -3. They are 36 points behind leaders Arsenal in the title race. Their next fixture is against Sunderland on February 20, 2027, at the Stadium of Light.
League standing (final 2025 table -- new season not yet under way): 13th in Premier League, 49 pts, 13W-10D-15L from 38 games, recent form LLDDL. Goals this season: 47 scored, 50 conceded (-3 goal difference). Title race: 36 points behind leaders Arsenal. Next fixture: vs Sunderland (away, 2027-02-20) (7th in the table).
