Everton have confirmed the signing of forward Iliman Ndiaye from Marseille on a five-year deal. The 24-year-old returns to English football having previously played for Sheffield United.
“Kevin [Thelwell, Everton director of football] and the manager both spoke to me and made me feel wanted," Ndiaye told the club's official website. "My Senegal team-mate Idrissa [Gueye] also played a part and spoke highly of the club and a lot of good things.
“As a player, I like to dribble, show skills and get the fans out their seats. I want to score goals and get assists but I also like to work hard. I love running, chasing the ball, getting the team high up the pitch. As a striker, you're the first defender. I love doing that bit."
Ndiaye becomes Everton's third senior signing of the summer, following the arrivals of central midfielder Tim Iroegbunam from Aston Villa and winger Jack Harrison on another season-long loan from Leeds United.
Who is Iliman Ndiaye? Born in Rouen, France on 6 March 2000, Ndiaye began his youth career at Rouen before spending a year at Marseille. Then, following two years with Senegalese side Dakar Sacre-Coeur, Ndiaye joined National League club Boreham Wood after his father moved to England, signing his first contract in 2017. He was then snapped up by Sheff Utd in 2019, and spent time on loan at Hyde United before returning to the Blades.
Ndiaye made his Premier League debut in 2021, coming off the bench against Leicester City. The forward starred for Sheff Utd in their 2022/23 Championship campaign, scoring 14 goals and assisting a further 11 in 46 appearances as the Blades earned promotion back to the top flight. He was one of only two players to record double-figures for both goals and assists in the league. Ndiaye left the club to return to Marseille in August 2023, and scored four goals in 46 appearances across all competitions last season.
Senegal international Ndiaye was named in the squad for the FIFA World Cup 2022 in Qatar, starting in the round-of-16 match against England. He also appeared in and scored at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations. He has played 19 times for his country, scoring two goals.
2024/25 preparations Everton begin their pre-season preparations against Sligo Rovers on 19 July. Their Premier League campaign gets under way on Saturday 17 August when they host Brighton & Hove Albion, as they enter their last season at Goodison Park. See: Summer 2024 transfers & news