Everton 'trapped' by Iliman Ndiaye developments as fan fury mounts
Everton would profit heavily from Iliman Ndiaye's sale, but it would leave David Moyes without one of his biggest stars this summer.
That is according to former Manchester City financial adviser Stefan Borson, who exclusively told Football Insider that the Toffees could "really do with the profit".
Everton's No.10 has been strongly linked with a move to Saudi Arabia ahead of the 2026-27 campaign, with the winger believed to be open to joinin Al Hilal.
He notched six goals and three assists in 34 games last term, only third to Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall and Beto in goal contributions at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.
No disagreement has yet been reached between the clubs, nor are they expected to anytime soon, with Ndiaye's father even denying the rumours.
However, it could be a lot of money that the Toffees are turning down this summer, giving Moyes and the club a huge decision to make on the winger's future.
Everton 'trapped' over Iliman Ndiaye transfer
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, Borson admitted that replacing Ndiaye would be extremely difficult, but the price tag might be too difficult to reject.
"It's a funny story because the £70m is pure speculation. Everton are trapped a little bit at the moment in that they could really do with the profit," he said.
"That could then help them invest that and start to move from the sort of austerity that they're in and move into the investment phase.
"It's a very difficult situation for Everton because they need the fans to remain patient. But it's hard. Most other teams are buying players.
"There's pressure, and if you go the wrong way, if you don't buy anybody and then you sell the best player, arguably, then of course that's going to build pressure.
"This is going to build fan discontent, and then the season starts without momentum and a frustrated fanbase, and that's not what you want.
"I think it's a very tricky decision. If the offer was tabled, I think it's a tricky decision."
What has Ndiaye said about his future at Everton?
Ndiaye had a rather mixed 2026 World Cup campaign, starting just one of Senegal's four games, but grabbing an assist in the defeat to France.
Before the tournament kicked off, the player spoke about his next steps, saying: “You don't know where football will take you next.
"As I've always said, I want to be the best player and to do that, you have to play at the top. I want to be playing at the top level. I want to be playing Champions League football."
It could be years until the Toffees are playing Champions League football, but under The Friedkin Group, there are certainly huge aspirations on Merseyside.