Al-Hilal Pursues Iliman Ndiaye as Everton Faces Key Exit

Al-Hilal are pushing hard to prise Iliman Ndiaye away from Everton after reaching an agreement on personal terms with the forward, according to sources speaking to Football Insider.

The Saudi Pro League giants have tracked the Senegal international all summer, sensing an opportunity as his situation on Merseyside has grown increasingly tense. Now, with Ndiaye’s camp aligned on a contract, the spotlight has swung firmly onto Everton and their valuation.

The 26-year-old has become one of the Premier League’s most watchable attackers since arriving at Goodison Park from Marseille in a £15million deal. Electric in tight spaces, relentless off the ball and capable of game-breaking moments, he has turned into a genuine star for the Toffees over his two seasons in blue.

That, of course, comes at a price.

Everton are holding out for a hefty fee, fully aware of Ndiaye’s importance and the financial muscle behind Al-Hilal. The Saudi club are described as “accelerating” the move after securing personal terms, but the transfer fee remains the major obstacle.

The pressure finally told on Ndiaye’s side of the equation earlier this year. He has made it clear he wants to leave and has turned down several new contract offers from Everton since the start of the year, hardening the sense that an exit in this window is more a matter of when than if.

His numbers underline why the club are digging in. Since 2024, Ndiaye has scored 17 goals and provided three assists in 71 appearances for Everton, production that only tells part of the story of his influence in their attack.

Speaking on Football Insider’s Transfer Insider podcast, it was explained that Al-Hilal have now formally opened talks with Everton as they attempt to move the deal over the line. With personal terms agreed, the Saudi side are described as confident they can eventually strike a deal.

If they do, it leaves a gaping hole in David Moyes’ plans.

The Everton manager will need another dynamic playmaker to carry the creative burden if Ndiaye departs before the window closes. Former club chief Keith Wyness has told Football Insider that Everton are already working on a solution and are keen on Bologna’s Rowe as a potential replacement for the 26-year-old.

Rowe, an England youth international, comes off a strong season in Serie A, where he registered eight goals and four assists in 43 games. Those numbers, combined with his profile, have pushed him towards the top of Everton’s shortlist as they weigh up life after Ndiaye.

For now, the saga hangs on one question: will Al-Hilal go high enough to meet Everton’s demands for their star man and trigger the next big reshuffle in the Toffees’ attack?