Everton have made some high-profile errors in recent years when it comes to the transfer market, both regarding players they did and didn’t sign. And naturally, whilst the former has proven far more damaging to the club’s financial situation, given the reckless nature of Farhad Moshiri’s spending, the latter has arguably stunted their growth too.
After all, there are a whole host of star men who had the opportunity to move to Goodison Park, but were either snubbed or not offered enough to tempt them.
Erling Haaland, Eden Hazard and even Luis Diaz all nearly made the move to the blue half of Merseyside, and yet went on to thrive elsewhere.
And whilst Iliman Ndiaye is not quite at the level of that aforementioned trio, his reported failed move from the summer of 2023 has left Sean Dyche hamstrung in the season that has followed.
‘Crucial days ahead for Iliman Ndiaye’s future,’ wrote Fabrizio Romano in July 2023, outlining how Marseille were just one of many clubs interested in making the move.
He continued: ‘There also several Premier League clubs in the race including Everton, keen on signing him since April.’
Usually, when the Italian journalist offers a transfer update, people listen. After all, he has evolved into one of football’s most reliable reporters when the market rolls around, given his never-ending book of contacts who seem to verify every story for him.
So, there is reason to believe that the Toffees were interested in the Senegal international, and had held a longstanding interest in him.
And yet, they were slow to move, as always.
Funds were naturally tight, but given the fact they likely accumulated approximately £42.5m from the sales of Alex Iwobi, Demarai Gray, Ellis Simms and Tom Cannon, surely the £20m Marseille paid could have been used way before a transfer tug-of-war had begun.
Especially given what was eventually paid for both Beto and Youssef Chermiti, regardless of the delayed payment structure of those deals.
Sean Dyche is lacking that lethal finisher
Neither of those marksmen has made a significant impact since their transfers, and whilst they may have provided ample cover to allow Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s return to full fitness, it is not mental troubles which plague him far more than the physical ones ever did.
He is statistically the worst finisher in the Premier League this season, and a huge reason why the Toffees are underperforming their expected goals tally by a whopping 19.95.
Everton are missing that clinical cutting-edge up to, and it is killing them.
So often this season they have squandered chance after chance, just crying out for that touch of quality to provide the finishing instinct.
Nidaye scored 15 goals and assisted 12 for Sheffield United last season across all competitions, and already boasts eight goal contributions this campaign for a struggling Marseille too.
Not bad for a player who was rejected by Southampton many years ago.
He likely would have been the answer, and Kevin Thelwell must regret failing to acquire his services.
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