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Sun 24 May

Everton relaxed over Iliman Ndiaye future despite contract uncertainty

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Everton relaxed over Iliman Ndiaye future despite contract uncertainty
  • Everton remain relaxed despite no agreement over improved contract for Ndiaye.
  • The Senegal international is already under contract at Hill Dickinson until 2029.
  • Moyes continues to view Ndiaye as a key figure in Everton’s long-term project.

Everton appear to be operating from a position of strength as uncertainty continues around Iliman Ndiaye’s contract situation.

Reports this week claim discussions over improved terms have yet to produce an agreement, but there is little indication of concern from Everton’s side. With Ndiaye already tied down until 2029, the club retain significant control over the situation heading into what could be another important summer transfer window.

As David Moyes prepares for his second season at the Hill Dickinson, retaining the squad’s most influential players will be just as important as adding new faces.

Everton hold strong hand in Ndiaye talks

According to recent reports, Everton have held discussions with Ndiaye regarding an improved contract, although negotiations have not yet resulted in a breakthrough.

While that may attract attention given the attacker’s importance to the squad, Everton’s current position means there is no immediate pressure to reach an agreement.

The 26-year-old remains one of the club’s most valuable assets and is contracted for another three years. That long-term deal provides Everton with security at a time when transfer speculation surrounding the Senegal international continues to emerge.

Interest from elsewhere has been reported, including claims of admiration from Premier League rivals, but Everton are under no obligation to consider offers and remain firmly in control of Ndiaye’s future.

Why Ndiaye remains central to Moyes’ project

Moyes has made no secret of his desire to build on the progress made since returning to the club, and Ndiaye’s importance within that plan is difficult to overlook.

The forward was one of Everton’s most productive attacking players during the 2025/26 campaign, contributing six Premier League goals while regularly providing the creativity and ball-carrying ability that helped drive the team forward.

His versatility across the front line also gives Moyes valuable tactical flexibility, particularly as Everton continue to reshape their squad under The Friedkin Group’s ownership.

Finding a replacement capable of offering similar qualities would likely require a significant investment, which only strengthens Everton’s desire to keep hold of one of their standout performers.

What happens next?

At this stage, the absence of a new agreement does not appear to represent a major concern for Everton.

The club have protected themselves with Ndiaye’s existing contract, while the player remains an important part of Moyes’ plans moving forward.

Contract discussions could continue throughout the summer, but Everton’s calm approach suggests there is confidence that the situation can be managed.

For now, the focus remains on strengthening the squad around players like Ndiaye rather than preparing for life without them. Given Everton’s contractual position and Moyes’ admiration for the attacker, there is little reason to believe his future lies anywhere other than Merseyside heading into the 2026/27 season.

Whether a good World Cup for Ndiaye will tilt the balance remains to be seen. For now, we wait.

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Gary is editor for ReadMotorsport, ReadNorwich, and ReadEverton. He has many years experience of sports writing behind him after deciding (belatedly) that the world of accountancy wasn't for him. His work has been featured on (among many others) BBC Sport and The Metro. He has written on many sports, but considers himself an expert in football and F1. When not writing and editing he likes to go to the cinema and sip a lovely cold pint of Guinness (not always at the same time).

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