Iliman Ndiaye, barely arrived, already gone? Sheffield United recently left the door open for the Senegalese player’s return, who arrived at Marseille last summer.
Iliman Ndiaye made a bold choice last summer. After contributing to Sheffield United’s promotion to the Premier League, the Senegalese midfielder chose to join Olympique de Marseille instead of experiencing the Premier League with a club that cherished him.
This decision was motivated by his love for the Marseille team, which he has supported since childhood. It’s an interesting story, even though on the field, things are a bit less positive. In Ligue 1, for example, in the fifteen games he played, the Senegalese player was rather disappointing.
Iliman Ndiaye not adapted to Marseille’s style of play?
Far below the expectations of last summer when his transfer was completed for a sum close to 20 million euros. As we reported, rumors of his departure are already circulating, especially with the interest of several English clubs, including Everton. In the English media, speculations about a possible return to Sheffield have started to emerge.
Prince Abdullah bin Mosaad bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, the Blades’ leader, has not calmed these rumors with his recent statements. In an interview with the Blades Ramble YouTube channel, he openly left the door open for Iliman Ndiaye‘s return. He stated, “You know, I can’t talk about players playing elsewhere. But, believe me, we consider all possibilities. We discuss everything. I can’t tell you if he will return or not. But I can tell you: ‘use your imagination’.”
He has clearly left the door open for Ndiaye’s return, not denying this rumor, on the contrary. However, as we revealed, the player wants to stay in Marseille and hopes to bounce back to shine in the Phocaean colors. It remains to be seen if Pablo Longoria will be willing to abandon one of his biggest bets just a few months after his arrival, which would be a quite evident sign of failure.
After Iliman Ndiaye, what kind of transfer window for OM?
While waiting to know what will happen with the Iliman Ndiaye situation, Marseille should be active during this winter transfer window. No less than 7 players are expected to go to the Africa Cup of Nations (CAN). Several weeks of absence that will weaken Gennaro Gattuso’s squad. In this regard, reinforcements could arrive.
Olympique de Marseille is closely monitoring the situation of Nemanja Matic. Although Olympique Lyonnais seems to be in pole position to secure his services, the Marseille club remains on standby. Acquired for 2 million euros from AS Roma last summer, Matic is under contract with Rennes until 2025.
According to information from Foot Mercato, OM is also competing with OL to secure the signature of Mohamed Amine Amoura. The second top scorer in the Jupiler Pro League with 13 goals, the Union Saint-Gilloise striker is attracting the interest of both Olympian clubs. However, neither OM nor OL will be able to benefit from Amoura’s services in January, as the 23-year-old player will be committed to Algeria for the Africa Cup of Nations (CAN). It is worth noting that the Algerian international is also on the radar of other European clubs such as Wolverhampton in the Premier League and AC Milan in Serie A.
Furthermore, OM is showing interest in a Major League Soccer star. Denis Bouanga is among the potential options for a winter recruitment. The Gabonese player is currently in the best form of his career, being the top scorer in the MLS regular season with 20 goals, as well as contributing 4 goals in the playoffs, thereby helping Los Angeles FC succeed in the United States. OM, attracted by the player, would have a strong chance of seeing him join their ranks. According to Le 10 Sport, OM’s interest in Denis Bouanga is mutual. Although under contract until 2025 with Los Angeles FC, Denis Bouanga does not rule out the possibility of returning to Europe.
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