Liverpool make unexpected ‘move’ to sign 25-year-old ahead of January window
Liverpool could be about to begin their January transfer business with the kind of deal that has become rarely seen over the years.
Alexander Isak finally netted his first goal since September as the Reds triumphed 2-0 away at West Ham on Sunday afternoon, thus ending a run of three consecutive defeats in all competitions.
Liverpool’s latest victory has eased the pressure on Arne Slot a little, with his position coming under heavy scrutiny after the recent drubbing against PSV Eindhoven in the Champions League.
The Merseysiders know that they need to strengthen their squad further this winter, despite their recent win away from home, and they have already made a move to seal what would be a truly remarkable deal.
Liverpool launch shock Iliman Ndiaye transfer enquiry
Iliman Ndiaye has starred for Everton so far this season, as his four goals have seen him outshine even Jack Grealish in the opening months of the campaign.
The Senegal international is building an increasingly big reputation for himself in the other half of Merseyside, and that has unsurprisingly alerted several of the Premier League’s ‘top six’ ahead of the upcoming window.
Liverpool, Manchester City and Tottenham have all launched enquiries into the winger’s availability, with the Everton star understood to be in a “good position” on their shortlists, according to Foot Mercato.
The Reds’ interest in the wideman is clear, but if they are to secure his signature in 2026, then they will have to do something that they won’t have achieved for 24 years, and that is sign a player directly from Everton.
Deals between the two city rivals are extremely rare, with the Anfield outfit’s last signing from across the city coming way back in 2002, when Abel Xavier was convinced to turn his back on the Toffees.
Everton may make Iliman Ndiaye deal impossible for the Reds
Former Manchester City financial advisor Stefan Borson recently told Football Insider that Everton won’t be tempted to cash in on Ndiaye in January, despite the potential of PSR issues later down the line.
The 25-year-old is an extremely important part of David Moyes’ plans, and the fact that Liverpool are among the group of interested clubs will only make them more reluctant to sell.
The Toffees are highly likely to effectively make the deal for Ndiaye impossible for their rivals to achieve, given the history and the relationship between the two clubs.
If they do decide to sell, then it would be no surprise at all to see them go to all eventualities to ensure that Liverpool are not the beneficiaries, and that Xavier remains the last player to make that switch.
As much as the Reds are clear admirers of Ndiaye as a player, this pursuit may prove to be a case of them wanting something that they simply cannot have.