Everton eyeing windfall: can the Toffees find a Ndiaye replacement?

If Everton were to sell star forward Iliman Ndiaye to Saudi Pro League club Al Hilal, the Toffees would likely receive a significant financial windfall, yet replacing his all‑round game would pose a major challenge for the club. The Senegal international’s blend of attacking flair and defensive work‑rate makes him a rare asset in the Premier League.

[Getty Images] shows Iliman Ndiaye contributed six Premier League goals last season, two of which came from the penalty spot, and added three assists, underscoring his direct involvement in the Toffees’ attacking output. These modest numbers still placed him among the squad’s most influential forwards.

He attempted 136 dribbles and completed 73, 77 and 46 more than any other Everton player, while his total of 147 take‑ons attempted also led the squad. His willingness to engage defenders highlighted his all‑round contribution.

Ndiaye contested 409 duels, the highest count among Everton players, and recorded 26 recoveries in the final third, more than any of his teammates. These figures illustrate his defensive work‑rate alongside his offensive duties.

In several of those categories he also ranks highly when compared with all Premier League forwards, showing his performance extends beyond the club level. Such rankings reinforce the difficulty of finding a comparable replacement.

Replacing his all‑round contribution would be a major challenge, especially as Everton currently have notable gaps at right‑back and central midfield. The club would need a player capable of matching both his flair and defensive stamina.

The proceeds from a potential sale, if invested wisely, could enable Everton to assemble a more balanced squad for the 2026‑27 season, addressing the structural weaknesses highlighted by the club. An injection of funds could fund reinforcements in the areas where the Toffees currently lack depth.

Since David Moyes returned in January 2025, only Kiernan Dewsbury‑Hall has proved a clear success in the transfer market, while Thierno Barry’s impact remains uncertain after eight goals and Jack Grealish’s season‑ending injury limited him to 18 starts on loan. Last summer the Blues signed Tyler Dibling, Merlin Rohl, Charly Alcaraz and Adam Aznou, who together made 16 Premier League starts, with Aznou yet to feature.