Al Hilal continue to make ambitious moves in the summer transfer market as they look to strengthen their attack ahead of the new season and provide head coach Simone Inzaghi with more options.
After moving for Dutch winger Crysencio Summerville, reports have now linked the Saudi club with Everton forward Iliman Ndiaye, who has emerged as one of the leading names on Al Hilal’s transfer shortlist.
The club’s management believe Ndiaye possesses the technical and tactical qualities required to improve the squad, particularly because of his ability to operate in several attacking positions, as well as his pace, dribbling and creativity.
According to Spanish newspaper Marca, Al Hilal have intensified their efforts to sign Iliman Ndiaye during the summer transfer window.
The Saudi club are searching for an attacking winger capable of offering additional solutions in the final third, especially with major domestic and continental competitions awaiting the team next season.
Reports suggest that the success of the deal will depend primarily on Everton’s position and the size of the financial offer submitted by Al Hilal.
Negotiations are still believed to be at an early stage, but the Saudi side’s interest appears serious, with club officials convinced that Ndiaye could become an important part of Inzaghi’s new sporting project.
Previous reports claimed that Iliman Ndiaye would be open to experiencing football in the Saudi Pro League.
That position reportedly became clear following initial discussions between Al Hilal representatives and the player’s agents, with the talks aimed at determining whether he would consider moving to Saudi Arabia this summer.
The player’s willingness to consider the transfer could help negotiations progress. However, reaching an agreement with Everton is likely to be the more difficult step, particularly if the Premier League club are determined to keep him or demand a significant transfer fee.
Because Ndiaye remains under contract with Everton, Al Hilal would need to agree a fee with the English club before finalising personal terms with the player.
Iliman Ndiaye’s tactical versatility makes him an attractive option for Al Hilal.
The Senegal international can play on either the right or left wing, while he is also capable of operating behind the main striker or as a second forward.
That flexibility would give Simone Inzaghi more freedom to change his tactical setup during matches, whether by using two quick wingers or deploying Ndiaye in a more central attacking role.
Should Al Hilal complete deals for both Ndiaye and Summerville, Ndiaye could feature on the right flank while Summerville operates from the left.
The pair would add greater pace and creativity to the team’s wide areas, while their ability to switch positions could create confusion for opposing defences.
Ndiaye could also prove valuable in matches where Al Hilal require a player capable of retaining possession and finding space between the lines, rather than relying solely on crosses or direct attacks from the wings.
Simone Inzaghi places significant emphasis on quick transitions from defence to attack, a style well suited to Ndiaye’s strengths.
The Senegalese attacker is known for his speed and ability to exploit open spaces, while he also times his runs well behind opposing defenders.
His threat is not limited to dribbling and direct attacking play. Ndiaye also possesses strong vision, can pass between the lines and is capable of creating chances for his teammates.
He can operate as an advanced playmaker, particularly in matches where Al Hilal face compact defensive blocks and need a player who can work effectively in tight spaces.
Ndiaye is also willing to press opponents in possession, an important quality in Inzaghi’s system, which often focuses on quickly regaining the ball and preventing rivals from building attacks comfortably.
Iliman Ndiaye has made 214 appearances across all competitions during his professional career.
The Senegal international has scored 44 goals and provided 23 assists, taking his overall attacking contribution to 67 goals.
Those figures underline his ability to combine scoring with chance creation, making him a more complete option than a traditional winger whose role is limited to beating defenders or delivering crosses.
His experience in English football could also help him deal with pressure and perform in major matches should he complete a move to Al Hilal.
Al Hilal do not appear willing to settle for just one attacking signing this summer.
Their pursuit of Crysencio Summerville, combined with the interest in Iliman Ndiaye, reflects a desire to reshape the wide attacking positions and give Inzaghi a broader range of options.
The two players would add pace, skill and positional versatility, allowing Al Hilal to adjust their approach depending on the opponent.
Having attackers who can exchange positions would also give the team greater flexibility against sides that rely on man-marking or deep defensive structures.
Everton’s position will remain the decisive factor in the negotiations, as the Premier League club may be unwilling to lose the player without receiving a major offer.
However, Al Hilal possess the financial strength and sporting ambition required to submit a proposal capable of convincing Everton to enter formal talks.
Should the Saudi club secure Iliman Ndiaye’s signature, they would be gaining more than just another winger. They would add a versatile attacker with pace, technical quality and the ability to score and create goals.
The transfer could become one of Al Hilal’s most important deals of the summer, particularly if Ndiaye adapts quickly to the Saudi Pro League and Simone Inzaghi’s tactical demands.
