Senegal stalwarts Gueye and Ndiaye in frame for Saudi Pro League switches

Idrissa Gana Gueye is close to a move to Al-Diriyah and Iliman Ndiaye is attracting strong interest from Al-Hilal, as Saudi Arabia lines up two more key members of Senegal’s national team.

Gueye, who is a free agent after leaving Everton at the end of his contract, is expected to sign a one-year deal with Al-Diriyah, with an option for a further season. The 36-year-old midfielder, Senegal’s most-capped player with 135 appearances and seven goals, would join Cameroon international Georges-Kevin Nkoudou at the club.

The move would mark a new chapter for Gueye after a long spell in European football that has taken in Lille, Aston Villa, Paris Saint-Germain and two stints at Everton. Despite interest from France, he now appears set to follow several of his Senegal team-mates to the Gulf.

Le Havre sporting director Demba Ba had attempted to tempt Gueye back to Ligue 1, with the former Senegal striker keen to add the veteran to the squad in Normandy. However, according to Foot Mercato, Gueye has opted instead for the Saudi project and is preparing to complete his move to Al-Diriyah.

Ndiaye targeted by Al-Hilal

While Gueye’s situation is viewed as advanced, Ndiaye’s future remains at the negotiation stage but could prove more contentious among Senegal supporters if it progresses.

Fabrizio Romano reports that Al-Hilal plan to open direct talks with Everton over a transfer for the forward, who scored six goals and provided three assists in the Premier League last season. Discussions are expected to cover both personal terms for the 26-year-old and the fee required by the Merseyside club.

Everton retain control over any asking price, but Ndiaye is not believed to have ruled out a move to Saudi Arabia. At an age where many players in his position are seeking to establish themselves further in European competition, his openness to talks adds intrigue to the proposed deal.

Ndiaye, who has the profile to appeal to a range of European clubs, is regarded as being in his prime years, and any departure from the Premier League to the Saudi Pro League at this stage of his career would be seen as a surprise by many observers.

Growing Senegal presence in Saudi Arabia

The potential arrivals of Gueye and Ndiaye would strengthen an already significant Senegalese contingent in Saudi football.

Sadio Mane, Kalidou Koulibaly and Edouard Mendy have all been playing in the country for the past three years, forming part of the early wave of high-profile internationals moving to the Saudi Pro League. Malang Sarr, who has yet to win a cap for Senegal, has also recently signed for a Saudi club.

Gueye’s free transfer to Al-Diriyah is now viewed as being at an advanced stage, with only final details believed to be outstanding. Ndiaye’s situation is less defined, with Al-Hilal still needing to reach agreement with both player and club.

If both deals are completed, a further core segment of Senegal’s current and recent international set-up would be based in the Gulf, underlining Saudi Arabia’s continued impact on African national team squads during this transfer window.