Al Hilal close in on Everton’s Iliman Ndiaye as Manchester United’s bid faces fresh setback

Al Hilal are prepared to meet Everton’s £75m valuation of Iliman Ndiaye, in a move which could significantly alter the battle for the Senegal winger and leave Manchester United at a disadvantage.

The Saudi Arabian club have stepped up negotiations for the Everton forward during the current summer transfer window and are also willing to offer him a salary far beyond what he could expect to earn in Europe.

Turkish journalist Ekrem Konur reports that Al Hilal would not be deterred by a fee of about £75m – the figure Everton have set for approving Ndiaye’s departure. The Saudi club are also ready to make a substantial financial proposal to the player as they attempt to complete the deal.

Al Hilal’s entry into the negotiations has changed the situation for Everton. The English club are no longer under the same pressure to lower their asking price or consider offers involving deferred payments, including the proposal understood to have been made by Manchester United.

The transfer is reportedly expected to be decided within the next few days, with Al Hilal aiming to strengthen their squad as they pursue a domestic league and Asian double.

Ndiaye is regarded as one of the Saudi club’s leading attacking targets. Al Hilal’s coaching staff want to add a winger with pace and the ability to influence matches, particularly after a number of other transfer targets failed to progress in recent weeks.

The player’s future remains unresolved, and all outcomes are still possible. However, Al Hilal’s financial strength could give them a clear advantage in the race to sign the Senegal international if he decides to take on a new challenge outside the English league.

Manchester United’s position has therefore become more difficult. Their offer, which includes payments to Everton over time, may no longer be as attractive to the Premier League club now that Al Hilal are prepared to satisfy the full valuation immediately.

For Everton, the Saudi interest provides a stronger negotiating position and gives them less reason to compromise on the terms of a potential sale. For Al Hilal, the proposed move forms part of an effort to build a squad capable of competing for both the league title and success in Asia.

Ndiaye remains open to more than one possible outcome, but the strength of Al Hilal’s financial commitment has made the club a serious contender for his signature. A decision is expected in the coming days, with the winger’s choice likely to determine whether he remains in the English league or begins a new chapter with Al Hilal.