Everton eyeing Al Hilal move for Iliman Ndiaye as Nathan Zeze emerges as transfer target
Everton winger Iliman Ndiaye, 26, is the subject of intense transfer speculation. Reports indicate he has reached a personal agreement on contract terms with Saudi Pro League side Al Hilal, with a possible fee of €70‑75 million. The club has said it has not set a valuation and that the player is "not for sale," despite the ongoing negotiations. Ndiaye arrived at Everton in 2024 from Olympique de Marseille for roughly €18.5 million and is contracted until 2029.
Meanwhile, French centre‑back Nathan Zeze (also written Zézé), 21, currently plays for Saudi club Neom SC after leaving Nantes. Neom’s financial difficulties may force a sale. Everton and Crystal Palace are identified as the main Premier League bidders, with other clubs such as Bournemouth, Al Hilal, Inter Milan and Real Sociedad also monitoring the situation. Zeze made 31 league appearances for Neom in the 2025‑26 season and is a regular for France’s Under‑21 side.
Everton’s broader squad situation adds urgency. The club has only three senior central defenders – James Tarkowski, Michael Keane and injury‑prone Jarrad Branthwaite – prompting manager David Moyes to seek defensive reinforcements. Recent ownership changes have strengthened the club’s finances, allowing potential new contracts for key players while the transfer market remains active.
Entities: Al Hilal · David Moyes · Everton Football Club · Ilaman Ndiaye · Nathan Zeze
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how well corroborated each claim is across sources.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Neom may need to sell Zeze due to financial problems. (report)
- [● 3 SOURCES] Ilaman Ndiaye is linked with a move to Saudi Pro League club Al Hilal. (reports)
- [● 2 SOURCES] Nathan Zeze (Zézé) is a 21‑year‑old French centre‑back currently playing for Saudi club Neom SC. (reports)
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Ndiaye joined Everton in 2024 from Olympique de Marseille for about €18.5 million and is contracted until 2029. (club record)
- [● 2 SOURCES] Everton and Crystal Palace are among the main clubs pursuing Zeze, with competition from other European clubs. (reports)
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Everton have only three senior central defenders: James Tarkowski, Michael Keane and Jarrad Branthwaite. (analysis)
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Ndiaye has reached a personal agreement on contract terms with Al Hilal, with a potential transfer fee of €70‑75 million. (journalist Pete O'Rourke)
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Everton have not placed a valuation on Ndiaye and say he is not for sale. (club statement)