David Moyes braced for Iliman Ndiaye heartbreak as Everton transfer saga unfolds
Iliman Ndiaye’s potential departure from Everton would be season-defining.
David Moyes could lose multiple Everton stars in the January transfer window, but Ndiaye is the key man that he’ll want to keep.
The forward has easily been the Toffees’ best attacking outlet so far this season, and after only one win in six, his Everton boss needs him more than ever.
Ndiaye is flourishing with Senegal at the African Cup of Nations at the moment, with his country primed for a Semi-final showdown with Egypt on Wednesday.
Everton are struggling in the 25-year-old’s absence, and a future without Ndiaye is hard to fathom. But that could be the harsh reality in the coming weeks.
Everton’s interest in Ethan Nwaneri could be telling on Iliman Ndiaye’s future
Everton have been monitoring Ethan Nwaneri’s situation at Arsenal, and are said to be keen on signing the right-winger should the opportunity arise.
The youngster is highly-rated by Mikel Arteta, but is struggling for game time due to Bukayo Saka and Noni Madueke’s continued performances.
- Nwaneri has played 165 minutes in the Premier League this season
- The teenager made 37 appearances for the Gunners last campaign
- He managed to stack up 11 goal contributions during those 37 matches
Nwaneri seems like a realistic addition to bring to the Hill Dickinson Stadium this month, especially if the Friedkin Group are prepared to sell Ndiaye.
Liverpool have been credited with interest in Ndiaye, with some suggestions saying that he could be the long-term replacement for Mohamed Salah – what a nightmare that could be.
Considering that Moyes has used the forward on the right this year, it would make sense if Nwaneri was being scouted to come in as Ndiaye’s replacement.
A deal could depend on whether the Toffees are worried about losing Ndiaye this month or in the future, as Nwaneri poses both a loan and permanent transfer opportunity for Everton.
Nwaneri’s contract details make Ndiaye’s Everton future clear
Selling Ndiaye in the January window would essentially throw the season away. It seems like the Senegalese is an adopted Evertonian on the surface, but you never know in football.
Moyes will still have ambitions of leading Everton into Europe this season, and he will need his star man to be in with a chance.
Nwaneri has been with Arsenal since the age of eight, and signed a fresh contract with the Gunners back in August, which will see him stay at the Emirates Stadium until 2030.
This makes Everton’s chances of signing Nwaneri on a permanent deal seem very slim. It may mean that Everton expects Ndiaye to leave in January, with Nwaneri coming in as a short-term stopgap.
Stay up to date this winter with our Everton transfer tracker. Click to see every done deal at Ibrox, plus expert reaction from our team of writers.