Senegal star Iliman Ndiaye not heading to Al-Hilal, father insists

Everton forward Iliman Ndiaye has no intention of joining Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal, according to his father, who has publicly dismissed reports suggesting the Senegal international is close to completing the move.

Speculation over Ndiaye’s future intensified after claims emerged that the 26-year-old had agreed personal terms with Al-Hilal.

However, his father has sought to put an end to the rumours, insisting his son remains focused on his current ambitions and is not planning to leave for Saudi Arabia.

In a video shared on his Instagram account, Ndiaye’s father addressed growing concerns among supporters following reports linking the attacker with a move to the Gulf.

“Many people called me to tell me that Iliman was going to leave. But rest assured, he’s not going anywhere.”

He also revealed that he had spoken directly with his son after the speculation surfaced and said the conversation left no doubt about the player’s intentions.

“He called me this morning. I even teased him with a few words in Arabic and we laughed about it. He let me know that he had no intention of joining Saudi Arabia.”

The comments directly contradict recent reports claiming the Everton attacker had already reached an agreement with Al-Hilal over the terms of a future contract.

Transfer journalist Pete O’Rourke of ESPN had previously reported that Ndiaye had given the Saudi club the green light and that an agreement had been reached over personal terms.

His father’s latest remarks, however, present a very different picture regarding the player’s immediate future.

According to his father, Ndiaye remains determined to continue competing at the highest level of European football rather than pursuing a move driven by financial rewards.

“He still has projects. He knows he has to keep working harder. Senegal needs him, just as he needs Senegal.”

He added that while a transfer to the Saudi Pro League could significantly increase the player’s earnings, it is not the direction Ndiaye wants to take at this stage of his career.

“He’s not the type to prioritize money over his career. His goal is to win another Africa Cup of Nations with Senegal, win the World Cup, and one day become a Ballon d’Or winner.”

His comments are likely to reassure many Senegal supporters, particularly after several prominent members of the national team, including Sadio Mané, Kalidou Koulibaly and Édouard Mendy, made the move to Saudi Arabia in recent years.

Despite the clarification from Ndiaye’s father, uncertainty over the player’s future has not been completely eliminated. Everton are reportedly seeking around €70 million for the Rouen-born forward, whose current contract runs until 2029.

Whether the father’s statements ultimately reflect how the transfer situation develops remains to be seen, as attention now turns to whether Al-Hilal continue their pursuit or bring their interest to an end.