Everton are reportedly eyeing a summer swoop for Sheffield United star Iliman Ndiaye.
According to The Sun, Premier League side Everton are readying a summer transfer move for in-form Sheffield United striker Iliman Ndiaye.
The 23-year-old attacker has been in sensational form for the Blades so far this season, netting 11 goals and assisting seven more in 36 Championship games. This has helped the Bramall Lane outfit rise to the second spot as they bid to return to the Premier League.
Ndiaye’s performances have not gone unnoticed in the top flight with Everton among a host of clubs keeping tabs. The Toffees lack bite upfront owing to the sales of Richarlison and Anthony Gordon in successive windows. With just 20 goals in the league, they are the joint-lowest goalscorers in the Premier League this season.
Just one point separates the Merseysiders from the relegation spots. And the weekend’s win over Brentford has come at the right time for Sean Dyche. However, unless the squad is replenished in the off-season, the club will continue to struggle regardless of whether they end up in the Premier League or the Championship.
A versatile player, Ndiaye is capable of doing a job upfront or even as an attacking midfielder. A good dribbler with excellent passing range, the 23-year-old can thrive playing in the hole. While he does lack aerial prowess, the option of deploying him alongside Dominic Calvert-Lewin should address the shortcomings.
Whether the Toffees land their man or not depends much on where they and Sheffield end up at the end of the 2022/23 seasons. Ndiaye has just a year left on his current contract, and the Blades could be forced to cash in should they miss out on promotion. The Toffees were keen on the African attacker in January. But a deal was not agreed upon.
However, it will do Everton little good should they fail to stave off relegation. For the player, however, a wait-and-watch approach appears to be the best foot forward. After all, he is not short of options, given that Newcastle United and West Ham United are also keen on his services.
At 23, Ndiaye is at the right age to take the next step in his evolution. Moving to a club on the way down would be a step backward. The onus will be on Everton to show the player that they have it in them to develop alongside him and work their way back into relevance in the coming years.
