Ndiaye’s camp moves to quell Saudi Arabia rumours as Everton forward focuses on Europe

Everton forward Iliman Ndiaye has no intention of leaving European football for Saudi Arabia at this stage of his career, according to his father, who has publicly rejected reports of an imminent move to the Gulf.

Speculation over a transfer to Saudi Arabia had intensified in recent days, with Africafoot among those linking the Senegal international with a switch to the Saudi Pro League. But Ndiaye’s father has used social media to insist that no agreement is in place and that the 26-year-old remains committed to staying in Europe.

In an Instagram story, Ndiaye’s father said he had spoken directly with his son, who assured him he was “absolutely not considering” leaving European football for the moment.

Financial offers not the priority

Saudi clubs are understood to have tabled lucrative proposals as they continue to target high-profile players from Europe’s top leagues. However, Ndiaye is said not to be motivated primarily by the financial aspect of a potential move.

According to his father, the attacking midfielder has concerns that stepping away from the major European leagues could hinder his development and lead to a decline in his performance level. For now, his priority is to continue competing at the highest level in Europe rather than accepting a more lucrative package elsewhere.

Interest from Al Hilal

Despite the family’s stance, transfer activity around Ndiaye has not stopped behind the scenes. Journalist Fabrizio Romano reports that Al Hilal are actively trying to sign the Everton player and have opened talks over a possible deal.

Those discussions, however, remain at an early stage. No agreement has been reached with Ndiaye’s camp and negotiations over personal terms are expected to continue in the coming days.

Ndiaye is currently under contract with Everton until 2029 and is reported to earn an annual salary of €2,795,582 in England, the equivalent of 1,817,128,300 FCFA. His market value on Transfermarkt is listed at €55m.

Long-term deal at Everton

The length of Ndiaye’s contract means Everton are under no immediate pressure to sell, and any club looking to prise him away would likely have to present a substantial offer.

Ndiaye, a Senegal international and a Lion de la Teranga, has built his reputation in European football and, according to his father, remains focused on continuing that trajectory rather than making a move to the Saudi Pro League at this point.

While Al Hilal’s interest underlines the level of attention he is attracting, Ndiaye’s entourage are clear that, for now, his future lies in Europe – and any change to that position would require a significant shift in the player’s own priorities.