Iliman Ndiaye won’t prioritize money over career, father insists amid Saudi transfer links

Iliman Ndiaye’s father has downplayed reports linking the enterprising attacker with a move to the Saudi Pro League, insisting the latter won’t prioritize money over his career.

Reports went rife Ndiaye could be tempted by interest from Saudi Arabia, where several high-profile players have moved in recent seasons due to attractive financial packages.

However, the Senegalese attacker’s father in an interview revealed that he had personally spoken with his son about the rumours and received assurances that a move to the Middle East is not part of his plans.

According to him, the conversation with Ndiaye was light-hearted, with the pair even joking about the speculation before the player made his intentions clear.

“He rang me this morning. I even teased him with a few words in Arabic and we had a laugh about it. He let me know that he had no intention of moving to Saudi Arabia,” he said.

The father of the Senegal star explained that while offers from Saudi clubs could be financially attractive, Ndiaye remains focused on his football development and wants to continue competing at the highest level of the game.

He stressed that the 26-year-old forward understands the importance of maintaining his progress and believes that a premature move away from elite European football could affect his career trajectory.

“He still has plans. He knows he needs to keep working hard. Senegal needs him, just as he needs Senegal. Everything he does today, he does for his country too,” he added.

“He knows he could earn a lot of money over there, but he also thinks his form might dip. He’s not the sort to prioritise money at the expense of his career.”

Ndiaye, who has established himself as an important figure for the Senegal national team, is determined to continue improving and competing at the highest level, with his focus currently remaining on his sporting ambitions rather than a move motivated purely by financial gain.