Credit: Imago
Fri 9 January 2026 11:10, UK
David Moyes will be praying that Iliman Ndiaye remains at Everton beyond the January transfer window.
Everton are currently without Ndiaye, who is playing for Senegal at the latest African Cup of Nations tournament.
The forward is joined by his team-mate Idrissa Gana Gueye, as the pair gear up for Senegal‘s quarter-final clash against Mali on Friday.
Moyes had a major injury scare with Ndiaye, as the Toffees attacker picked up a knock in Senegal’s penultimate group stage match against Benin.
However, it seems like the 25-year-old is still expected to play a major role in his country’s push for AFCON glory, even without full fitness.
Iliman Ndiaye transfer advice as AFCON hopes boosted
Ndiaye is Everton‘s star man, and without him, the Toffees would most likely be struggling at the wrong end of the Premier League.
The Toffees have been struggling in his absence, particularly in attack, where Moyes is still trying to find a solution.
Everton will want Ndiaye back as soon as possible, but they may have to wait until their clash against Leeds on 26 January, if Senegal go all the way.
Speaking exclusively to Goodison News, Senegalese journalist Saikou Seydi detailed Ndiaye’s importance for his country and what the Everton star’s priorities should be for the rest of the season.
Seydi said: “Iliman has become a very important player for Senegal. His technical skill and dribbling ability greatly benefit the team. He can be the team’s technical leader after Sadio Mane. If Iliman gets back to full fitness, Senegal will win AFCON.
Credit: Sofascore
“I don’t know what he’ll decide next, but I think with any high-performing player, it’s normal for clubs to be interested. But if I were his advisor, I would advise him to stay at Everton until the end of the season.”
With Ndiaye’s season statistics highlighted by Sofascore, Everton would surely welcome Seydi’s advice for their diamond.
Liverpool have been linked with Ndiaye
Every Evertonian’s worst nightmare would be to see their key man make the switch to the other side of Merseyside.
Liverpool have been linked with Ndiaye recently, with Mohamed Salah’s career with the Reds coming to a close, as Arne Slot needs a replacement.
While the forward would surely stand by good morals, the interest only highlights the future for Everton – they will lose Ndiaye at some point.
Moyes will still be hopeful of the Toffees achieving European football come the end of this campaign, and to do so, he will need Ndiaye to stay at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.
You can find further reports from Saikou’s X account here.