Everton set to sign their own Sadio Mane who is ‘going to be elite’ player

Iliman Ndiaye is close to joining Everton after impressing at Sheffield United.

Iliman Ndiaye, who is set to join Everton, has previously been rated as a ‘elite’ player.

The attacking midfielder is close to joining Everton from Marseille. Ndiaye is the Blues’ third acquisition of the summer, following Tim Iroegbunam’s £9 million transfer from Aston Villa and Jack Harrison’s return to Leeds United on loan for another season.

Ndiaye might have played for Everton for a year if he had chosen Merseyside over Marseille last summer. He joined the French club following a successful 2022-23 season at Sheffield United, where he helped them win promotion to the Premier League. Ndiaye scored 15 goals and assisted 12 times as the Blades advanced to the Championship.

In actuality, his season in Marseille was poor, with only four goals and five assists in 46 appearances. Ndiaye, however, has demonstrated his quality, and at the age of 24, he is still some years away from reaching his prime.

He is a 22-cap Senegalese international who will play with his compatriot Idrissa Gana Gueye at Everton. Ndiaye has previously been compared to fellow countryman Sadio Mane.

Mane had eight fantastic years in the Premier League. He spent the majority of his career at Liverpool, where he won six major championships, including Champions League and Premier League. Nidaye’s former Sheffield United teammate Chris Basham believes he has the potential to be a top-class player if he continues on his current path.

Basham told journalist Alan Briggs that he is difficult to play against every day in training. He makes excellent use of his physique, has lightning-fast feet, and is extremely strong.

“He’s going to be exceptional; the question is whether it will be with Sheff United. He is learning quickly and finishes well. It can be better at times, but he is 20, possibly younger.

“He’s been hitting some incredible goals in training, and the boys are absolutely blown away by his abilities. It’s wonderful and an honour to have him on our side.

“You know all the games…In the Premier League, I said Mane was the most difficult opponent I’d ever faced. He [Ndiaye] will undoubtedly be up there; he is from the same nation and provides the same quality. He’ll be right up there. Above all, credit goes to his family and himself for all he’s accomplished.”