Credit: Breaking Media/Manh Tung

Jacob Raw

Tue 2 June 2026 17:52, UK

Everton are set for a fight to keep hold of Iliman Ndiaye this summer after failing to reach a breakthrough in contract talks.

The Toffees star has three years remaining on his deal at Hill Dickinson with no exit clause, and wanted to reward their key player with fresh terms.

However, according to The Athletic on Tuesday, Everton have been in talks with Ndiaye since the start of the year, and have not reached an agreement with the 26-year-old.

The Blues are “likely” to place a protection valuation of around £69million on the player, after he and his camp have rejected “multiple” contract offers.

Everton have been in contract talks with Ndiaye for about six months now, and no agreement suggests David Moyes could be without his star man next season, with clubs lurking.

Champions League clubs want Iliman Ndiaye

There is a horrible scenario if Everton sells Ndiaye, and it includes Jack Grealish.

If the Toffees re-sign the Manchester City loanee, but let Ndiaye go, their whole attack will not have the same successful look it once had in the first half of this season just gone.

Interest is expressed in Ndiaye from UEFA Champions League clubs, while others in the Premier League are after his signature.

The likes of Manchester United, Arsenal, and Tottenham have all been loosely linked with the winger, and could also make a move.

However, Everton want to be in control of any potential sale and want to protect the player’s market value early by slapping a £69m fee on his name.

Main disagreement in contract talks between Everton and Ndiaye revealed

The Athletic have also reported that sources have claimed that there is one main “point of contention” that is the reason for the current disagreement in contract talks.

It’s said that Ndiaye’s representatives wish to include an exit clause in a fresh deal, one that could be triggered as early as this summer.

However, the Blues do not want to include that in a deal that they feel would be a reward for him.

The terms offered to the player would make him one of the highest earners at Hill Dickinson, but there is still a clear obstacle for both parties to overcome.

It’s important to note that Ndiaye himself isn’t pushing to leave Everton at this stage, though the current disagreement will not fill Evertonians with confidence.

Updated 24/7 with expert analysis from the heart of Goodison Park.