Former Everton striker Ayegbeni Yakubu has urged Iliman Ndiaye to remain at Goodison Park, stating: "I don't think it's the right time for him to move." The Senegal international has attracted interest from Manchester United, Arsenal, and Manchester City following his impressive form since joining from Olympique Marseille for £15 million in July 2024.
Contract Talks Stall
Everton have attempted to reward Ndiaye with a new contract on improved wages, but negotiations have stalled. Despite talks since the start of the year, his camp has rejected several offers. Ndiaye is under contract until 2029, giving Everton no obligation to sell. However, the player has expressed a desire to play Champions League football, which could fuel a transfer.
World Cup Glimpse
Ndiaye scored his first World Cup goal in Senegal's 5-0 win over Iraq, completing a mazy dribble with a powerful right-foot strike. However, Senegal's round-of-32 clash against Belgium ended in heartbreak. Ndiaye was substituted in the 73rd minute with Senegal leading 2-0, only for Romelu Lukaku and Youri Tielemans to equalize in the 86th and 89th minutes. Tielemans then scored a last-gasp penalty in extra time to eliminate Senegal.
Moyes Defends Ndiaye
Everton manager David Moyes addressed the speculation in April, saying: "He is the last person I would consider selling." Moyes acknowledged that every club has a price, but stressed the difficulty of building a team while selling top players. "Why would we be giving up our better players?" he asked.
Yakubu's Advice
Yakubu, who Moyes signed for a then-club record £11.25 million in 2007, spoke exclusively to Toffeeweb. He said: "I just want the club to tie him down and give him another contract. He's so good, good with the ball, good with his feet. We need to bring a couple of players to build around him, and we can start thinking about Europe."
Comparison to Steven Pienaar
Yakubu compared Ndiaye to former Everton midfielder Steven Pienaar. "He plays a bit like Steven Pienaar. He has that vision, knows how to dribble, and how to pass the ball forward. As a striker, I just want those moves in the 18-yard box, and I think he can really pass it to me."
