If Ndiaye leaves, it'll be on Everton's terms

[BBC] [Getty Images] It has almost felt inevitable that this summer's headlines would centre on Iliman Ndiaye. There have been claims for some time that clubs from around the globe were monitoring the winger but, with three years left on his current deal, has he really played his last game for Everton? For at least the past season it has been known the Senegal international was someone of interest to not just fellow Premier League sides, but also clubs in Europe - but David Moyes remained adamant Ndiaye would not be sold. The 26-year-old made it known he wishes to play at the very top level, so does that mean the interest from Al-Hilal is a non-starter? The Saudi Pro League side are clearly able to pay Everton a large price for their prize asset, but it remains to be seen if the player is enamoured by the prospect. If the motivation, though, is to be a star in the league and a financial package most could only dream of, then it will all come down to if Everton want to sell. The situation now is a far cry from the Farhad Moshiri era, when players were being sold to cover PSR. The Friedkin Group has given the Toffees a sound base to begin a much-needed and overdue rebuild, and only last summer there was firm rejection of any offer for centre-back Jarrad Branthwaite. They aren't forced to sell to balance the books any more. Everton are yet to receive any formal approach for Ndiaye, but if the player expressed a desire to leave, he would go on their terms. Ndiaye returned from Afcon in January off his usual pace and scored just two goals in the second half of the season, with one from the penalty spot. That said, he is a quality player and the most comparable sale so far this summer is Anthony Gordon. Barcelona paid Newcastle more than £69m for the winger, who scored six and bagged two assists in the Premier League in 2025-26. To compare, Ndiaye had six goals and three assists. Everton would want a similar level of payment if a sale were to happen and it would need to be swift. It's glaringly obvious the Toffees need a right-back. Djed Spence was someone they were keen on as the season closed, but the Tottenham man's England heroics at the World Cup have caused his price to rocket. Any sale of Ndiaye would help the club's rebuild if it were to happen soon, but right now he remains an Everton player. Listen to Total Sport Merseyside from 18:00 on weeknights on BBC Radio Merseyside Explore Everton content on BBC Sounds