Exclusive: AFCON Winner Iliman Ndiaye Tells David Moyes He’s Staying at Everton

Iliman Ndiaye has told Everton he has no interest in forcing through a move away from the Hill Dickinson Stadium, despite finding himself at the centre of a remarkable tug-of-war between arch-rivals Liverpool and Manchester United, SportsBoom can exclusively reveal. 

The Senegal international, who helped his country win the African Cup of Nations earlier this month, has found himself a man in demand since returning to England having excelled for David Moyes’ side this term. 

Merseyside rivals Liverpool view him as a potential successor to Mo Salah, while United’s director of football Jason Wilcox is also an admirer.

But Ndiaye has assuaged The Toffees' fears that his head has been turned by that interest, telling Moyes that he has no intention of agitating for a transfer and remains fully committed to the club which rescued him from what proved a frustrating spell with Marseille.

Ndiaye’s gesture, which has been endorsed by influential members of his inner circle, will come as a huge boost to Everton as they look to hunt down a place in Europe for the first time in eight years. It is also a massive filip for Moyes himself, given the injury which could rule on-loan star Jack Grealish out for the remainder of the campaign.

In other news, Everton have started monitoring Sheffield United’s Femi Seriki, one of Ndiaye’s former clubs, with the right-back having just 18 months left on his contract, potentially making him a bargain signing.

Loyal To Toffees' Cause

Ndiaye began his professional career with Sheffield United, making his debut under now Preston North End chief Paul Heckingbottom during a top-flight fixture against Leicester City in 2021. He then scored twice on his first start before being sold to the French giants - who he supported as a child.

Despite those strong emotional connections, Ndiaye struggled for opportunities at Stade Velodrome and was subsequently bought by The Toffees, who had coveted him before that switch to Europe.

One of the 15 goals he has netted for Everton came against Brighton and Hove Albion in August, and was the first at their new state-of-the-art ground.