Iliman Ndiaye ‘honoured’ as Everton exit news confirmed
Everton’s farewell to Goodison Park has been followed up by further tributes as the departures begin in David Moyes’ squad.
Goodison Park was given a fitting sendoff on Sunday as Moyes’ side eased to a comfortable 2-0 win over Southampton, with Iliman Ndiaye at the double with two well-taken first-half strikes to seal the result.
Everton were barely tested in a one-sided first half which saw Ndiaye slot home the opener inside just six minutes, in the last home match before their move to the Hill Dickinson Stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock.
Ndiaye is one of few players whose places in Moyes’ side will be assured next term with eight players out of contract and a further give loanees with uncertain futures, and the Everton exits have already begun.
Ndiaye sends ‘honour’ message as Doucoure departs Everton
Half of the Toffees’ eight out of contract players have already had their futures decided, after Everton released a statement to confirm the departures of Joao Virginia, Asmir Begovic and Ashley Young.
Speculation continues over the likes of Idrissa Gueye, Michael Keane, Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Seamus Coleman, and several Everton fans expect the latter to move into an off-field role under Moyes.
Abdoulaye Doucoure has since added his name to that list, with a departure message on social media after his emotional wave to all four sides of Goodison on Sunday were interpreted as “saying goodbye”.
Tributes have poured in for the 32-year-old from Everton players past and present, and Ndiaye posted a message on his Instagram story (21 May), saying: “You gave your all for this club and it’s been an honour to share the pitch with you”.
David Moyes to build new-look Everton team around Ndiaye
The Toffees are yet to make decisions on this season’s five loanees and the remainder of their out-of-contract players, albeit Football Insider revealed last month that Keane will “definitely” leave Everton.
Ndiaye has been the Toffees’ shining light this season and steered them to several victories in similar fashion to his brace against Southampton, with Moyes hopeful for even more of the same next term.
Football Insider have also revealed that a £12million bid for Newcastle’s Sean Longstaff will likely be accepted this summer, and if Moyes can add more legs to Everton’s midfield, Ndiaye will only improve further.