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Manchester United Are Right to Question Everton’s £70 Million Valuation of Iliman Ndiaye
Opinion | Manchester United Transfer News | Premier League Analysis
The transfer market has never been known for modesty. Every summer, clubs inflate asking prices, agents drive negotiations, and supporters debate whether a player is genuinely worth the figures being discussed.
This time, the spotlight has fallen on Everton’s Iliman Ndiaye, with Manchester United reportedly among the clubs monitoring the Senegal international. Yet, despite their admiration for the forward, the Red Devils have not made a formal move, and one factor stands out above the rest: Everton’s reported £70 million valuation.
At first glance, that figure may appear excessive. But in today’s Premier League, is it really?
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Manchester United’s Interest Is Genuine, But So Is Their Caution
Recent reports suggest that Manchester United appreciate Ndiaye’s qualities and have identified him as one of several attacking options this summer. However, any potential move has stalled because uncertainty surrounding Marcus Rashford’s future continues to influence United’s transfer plans, and until that situation is resolved, the club is reportedly reluctant to commit to another major investment in a wide attacker. Reports also indicate that no official bid has been submitted to Everton.
That hesitation is very much understandable.
Manchester United have spent years being criticised for overpaying in the transfer market. Whether justified or not, the perception has followed the club through successive transfer windows. Paying another premium fee simply because a selling club sets a high valuation would do little to change that narrative.
Why Everton Hold the Stronger Negotiating Position
From Everton’s perspective, there is little incentive to negotiate from a position of weakness.
Ndiaye remains under a long-term contract, meaning the Merseyside club are under no immediate financial pressure to sell. More importantly, he has developed into one of David Moyes’ most influential attacking players, bringing flair, direct running, pressing intensity and creativity to a team that has often relied on moments of individual brilliance.
When a club possesses a player who is both productive and difficult to replace, demanding a premium becomes part of sensible business rather than wishful thinking.
Whether another club agrees with that valuation is an entirely different disposition.
Is Iliman Ndiaye Worth £70 Million?
That is the question dividing football supporters, particularly those interested in this transfer ruckus.
Purely from a statistical standpoint, critics may point to the fact that Ndiaye’s Premier League goal contributions alone do not immediately place him among England’s elite attackers. Numbers, as often reiterated, rarely tell the complete story.
Football has become increasingly driven by attributes that cannot always be measured through goals and assists alone.
Ndiaye is notably capable of carrying the ball through pressure, unsettling defensive structures, progressing attacks from deep positions and creating space for teammates. These qualities explain why several clubs have reportedly tracked his development despite the sizeable asking price.
That said, admiration should never override financial discipline!
Manchester United Must Learn From Their Past
One of the biggest lessons from recent seasons is that expensive transfers do not automatically produce successful football teams.
Manchester United have repeatedly invested significant sums in players expected to transform the squad overnight. Some have succeeded, while others have struggled under the enormous expectations attached to their transfer fees. This, for sure makes the Ndiaye situation particularly interesting.
If Everton insist on £70 million, United must ask themselves a simple question:
Does Ndiaye improve the squad enough to justify both the fee and the opportunity cost of not strengthening other positions?
Mind you, that is not a criticism of the player!
It is simply how well-run football clubs should operate.
Everton’s Valuation May Be About More Than Market Value
Transfer fees often reflect circumstances rather than objective value.
Everton are reportedly aware of interest from multiple clubs, while Saudi Pro League side Al Hilal have also been linked with the Senegal international in recent days. Competition naturally strengthens a selling club’s negotiating position, especially when there is no urgency to sell.
There is also a psychological element we can view this as emanating from.
Setting a high valuation sends a clear message that Everton view Ndiaye as a cornerstone of their project and if another club wishes to test that resolve, they must be prepared to pay accordingly.
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In that sense, the £70 million figure may represent the reluctance of Everton to sell just as much as it reflects their assessment of the player.
This Is Where Smart Recruitment Matters
The modern transfer market rewards patience.
Manchester United should continue monitoring Ndiaye because he possesses qualities that could suit the Premier League’s demanding style. His versatility, work rate and technical ability make him an attractive option, but (and a very big “but” at that), admiration should never translate into desperation.
If Everton maintain their current valuation and United believe it exceeds the player’s market value, walking away would not represent failure, it would represent discipline.
Football history is filled with clubs that benefited from refusing to overpay, only to identify equally effective alternatives elsewhere.
Sometimes, the best signing is the one you choose not to make.
Final Thoughts
Manchester United’s reported interest in Iliman Ndiaye highlights how highly the Everton forward is regarded across English football. Yet admiration alone is rarely enough to complete a transfer.
Everton have every right to protect one of their most valuable assets by demanding a premium.
Manchester United have every right to question whether that premium represents good value.
If the two clubs eventually meet somewhere in the middle, everyone wins.
If they do not, neither side should be criticised.
Everton would have retained one of their finest attacking talents, while Manchester United would have demonstrated a level of financial restraint that supporters have long demanded.
In a transfer market where emotion often outweighs logic, that might be the smartest move of all.
Also Read: Manchester United Secure Champions League Football After Two Years Away
