Manchester United reportedly found themselves in a strong position to beat Saudi Pro League interest and land Everton winger Iliman Ndiaye earlier in the transfer window, after the player made clear his preference to remain in the Premier League.
Ndiaye Turns Down Al Hilal Approach
According to transfer insider Fabrizio Romano, Ndiaye opted against pursuing a switch to Saudi side Al Hilal despite a lucrative offer reportedly on the table, choosing instead to continue his career in English football. That decision was said to have opened the door for United to move into a strong position in the race for his signature, at a stage when the Red Devils were still assessing further additions to their forward line.
United’s Summer Business
At the time the reports emerged, United’s transfer business for the window had been relatively steady rather than spectacular, with Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans arriving to strengthen the midfield from Chelsea and Aston Villa respectively, and goalkeeper Karl Darlow joining on a free transfer from Leeds United. Michael Carrick had spoken openly about wanting further additions before the window shut, with a new left-back and a third central midfielder cited as the priority areas, though there was also acknowledgement that further firepower in attack could be pursued if the right opportunity arose.
How Things Actually Played Out
As it turned out, Ndiaye’s next move ended up being a switch to Manchester City rather than United, in a reported £65 million deal completed before the market closed — one of several high-profile departures from Goodison Park that contributed to a chaotic end to Everton’s transfer window. United, meanwhile, focused their remaining business elsewhere, with a deadline-day deal for Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba among their more notable pieces of business as the window drew to a close.
The Bigger Picture
Stories like this are a reminder of just how fluid transfer speculation can be right up until deadline day — a club being “well placed” for a signing is no guarantee of how a saga will ultimately be resolved, with a player’s final destination often shaped by late twists that only become clear once the dust has settled on the window.