Everton Football Club has completed the signing of Senegalese forward Iliman Ndiaye from Marseille on a five-year contract for a fee reported to be around £15 million.
The 24-year-old, who joined Marseille from Sheffield United last summer, is seen as a significant addition to Everton’s squad ahead of the upcoming season.
Ndiaye impressed during his tenure at Marseille, scoring four goals in 46 appearances last season and helping the French club reach the semi-finals of the Europa League. His experience at both European and international levels has been highlighted as a key factor in Everton’s decision to secure his services.
“We are delighted to welcome Iliman to Everton. He is a young player with a good track record, having shown his quality both in domestic leagues and on the European stage,” commented Everton manager Sean Dyche on the club’s latest acquisition.
Sheffield United, where Ndiaye previously played, reluctantly accepted Everton’s reported £15 million offer after the player’s impressive performances, including 14 goals and 11 assists during the 2022-23 season that helped secure promotion from the Championship.
Ndiaye’s football journey began at non-league side Boreham Wood before he moved to Sheffield United in 2019. Born in France, he later joined the Marseille academy and subsequently transitioned to represent Senegal, his father’s birth country, at the international level.
Reflecting on his move to Everton, Ndiaye expressed his excitement about joining a club with a rich history and ambitious future aspirations. “The main reasons I wanted to join were how big the club is, its history, and the part I can play in helping the team move forward,” he stated eagerly.
Everton’s director of football, Kevin Thelwell, also shared his enthusiasm about Ndiaye’s arrival, emphasizing the club’s long-standing admiration for the player. “Iliman is a player we have admired for a long time, and we believe he will bring a new dimension to our attack. We are confident that he will excite Evertonians,” Thelwell affirmed.
Ndiaye becomes Everton’s third signing of the summer, following the return of winger Jack Harrison on loan from Leeds United and the permanent transfer of central midfielder Tim Iroegbunam from Aston Villa. His addition is expected to bolster Everton’s forward line and contribute significantly to the team’s ambitions for the upcoming season.
The Senegalese forward, who has earned 20 international caps, expressed his pride in joining Everton, particularly in their final season playing at Goodison Park. His signing marks a continuation of Everton’s efforts to strengthen their squad and compete at the highest levels of English and European football.