---
title: "Manchester United ‘well placed’ to hijack Iliman Ndiaye deal after Saudi snub"
canonical: "https://readmanutd.com/2026/08/11/man-united-well-placed-hijack-iliman-ndiaye-deal/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Shumail Sajid"
section: "Man Utd Transfer News"
published: "2026-08-11T14:35:40Z"
modified: "2026-08-11T14:35:46Z"
---

# Manchester United ‘well placed’ to hijack Iliman Ndiaye deal after Saudi snub

**Manchester United are in the market for new additions as they explore signing a winger as well, while their search for a defensive midfielder continues.**

Manchester United are one of a number of Premier League clubs considering a move to hijack Iliman Ndiaye from Everton. The 26-year-old is believed to be edging closer to a move away from the Hill Dickinson Stadium this summer, after he agreed personal terms with Saudi Pro League outfit Al Hilal.

However, Al-Hilal are yet to seal a deal because they have not settled on terms with Everton, and [Manchester United](https://readmanutd.com/tag/manchester-united/) are reportedly ‘well placed to hijack the deal’.

United have already banked two midfield signings this window in Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans. They remain in the market for more additions and it has been suggested they could also bring in an attacker.

Ndiaye has excelled in the Premier League over the past couple of seasons and has been a long-term target for Manchester United. While no formal steps have been taken towards a deal as things stand, the club would be in a good position to do a deal as Michael Carrick aims to strengthen out wide.

## ‘I certainly wouldn’t rule out a Premier League club coming in for him’

Former Manchester United chief scout Mick Brown has explained why the Red Devils could make a move. “I certainly wouldn’t rule out a Premier League club coming in for him,” [Brown told Football Insider](https://www.footballinsider247.com/manchester-united/man-united-well-placed-to-hijack-iliman-ndiaye-deal).

“It looks like Ndiaye is keen to move on, that Saudi move has turned his head, and he’s no longer set on staying at Everton even though they obviously want to keep him. If that move to Al Hilal can’t be agreed, then there are a number of clubs who would be prepared to swoop in and get a deal done instead.

“Manchester United are one club who have been long-term admirers of his, we know Michael Carrick wants to bring in a winger, so they could make a move if he is available. They’d be in a good position to get a deal done because they’ve been tracking him for a while, they know his pros and cons and where he would fit in their side. A lot will depend on whether a deal can be agreed with Everton, or whether he makes that move to Saudi Arabia, but I wouldn’t rule it out.”

## Ndiaye rejects Al-Hilal and wants to stay in the Premier League

The picture shifted significantly on Tuesday. Transfer guru Fabrizio Romano confirmed that Ndiaye has now officially said no to joining the Saudi Pro League. [Romano said on X](https://x.com/FabrizioRomano/status/2087165600011276530): ‘Understand Iliman Ndiaye has decided not to proceed with Al Hilal deal: he wants to stay in Premier League. No to Saudi Arabia move despite big money on the table; Everton winger wants to continue in Premier League, decision made.’

> 🚨🇸🇳 Understand Iliman Ndiaye has decided not to proceed with Al Hilal deal: he wants to stay in Premier League.\
> \
> No to Saudi Arabia move despite big money on the table; Everton winger wants to continue in Premier League, decision made. [pic.twitter.com/uVd6p49v7F](https://t.co/uVd6p49v7F)
>
> — Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) [August 11, 2026](https://x.com/FabrizioRomano/status/2087165600011276530?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)

That decision opens the door for Premier League clubs to make their move. Ndiaye is not heading to Al-Hilal and wishes to remain in English football. However, Romano did not insist Ndiaye wants to stay at Everton.

The Senegal international is a crucial part of David Moyes’ plans, and the club are extremely reluctant to let him go. It was made clear that Everton would allow Ndiaye to join Al-Hilal if they come forward with an offer that matches their £75million valuation. Whether they would accept a similar fee from a Premier League rival remains to be seen.

United have been tracking Ndiaye for a while. The opportunity to land him this summer could be something they are tempted to explore now his Saudi move has fallen through. With Carrick keen on adding a winger, and Ndiaye determined to stay in England, the pieces are starting to line up.