Everton forward Iliman Ndiaye will not be joining Saudi Pro League side Al Hilal SFC this summer, according to his father, who has strongly denied reports linking the Senegal international with a move to Saudi Arabia.
Speculation over the 26-year-old’s future grew after claims emerged that he had rejected several contract offers and was considering a switch to the Saudi Pro League. However, Mouhamadou Abdoulaye Ndiaye says the reports are false and insists his son remains committed to continuing his career in Europe.
“Many people called me to tell me that Iliman was going to leave. But rest assured, he is not going anywhere.”
Ndiaye joined Everton FC from Olympique de Marseille in 2024 and has become one of the club’s key attacking players. He has made 64 appearances in all competitions, scoring 17 goals and providing three assists.
‘He has no intention of going to Saudi Arabia’
Ndiaye’s father revealed that he spoke to his son after the rumours surfaced and received a clear message about his future.
“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 going to Saudi Arabia.”
While acknowledging the financial rewards available in the Saudi Pro League, he said the forward remains focused on competing at the highest level of European football.
“He knows he can earn a lot of money there, but he also believes that his level may decline.”
“He is not the type to prefer money over his career.”
The comments will come as a boost for Everton, who have reportedly received strong interest in the Senegal international in recent transfer windows. The club is understood to value Ndiaye highly, and any potential offer would likely need to exceed previous approaches.
Ballon d’Or ambition remains the priority
Ndiaye’s father also revealed that the forward’s long-term ambitions are centred on success with both Everton and the Senegal national team rather than financial gain.
“He’s not the type to prioritise 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. That’s what motivates him today.”
Those ambitions, he said, are the reason Ndiaye is determined to remain in Europe and continue developing during what he believes are the prime years of his career.
