From Hyde to the Premier League: Everton’s Ndiaye’s Journey
Everton’s summer recruit, Iliman Ndiaye, asserts that he “always knew” he would become a Premier League player eventually, despite a brief period playing in non-league football.
Ndiaye, 24, joined Everton this summer for approximately £15m following a challenging season with Marseille in France, where he only scored three goals.
He is returning to England, where he played a crucial role in Sheffield United’s promotion from the Championship in the 2022-23 season. Additionally, he made nine appearances for Hyde United in the Northern Premier League on loan from the Blades four years ago.
“I enjoyed my time at Hyde,” Ndiaye told BBC Sport. “I was on loan there, but it was cut short due to Covid. It was my first experience of senior men’s football, and I learned a lot from playing alongside seasoned professionals in the National League.
“The loan at Hyde wasn’t a setback; it was an opportunity to keep playing. I love football, and it was a step towards reaching the top. It made me work harder because I never imagined I would end up at Hyde United. After Sheffield United, I thought I would continue to rise, but I always believed I would eventually be in the Premier League.”
“Watching Chelsea’s Hazard and Drogba was incredible.”
Everton has faced challenges at the lower end of the table over the past three seasons, finishing 15th last year after narrowly avoiding relegation on the final day in the two previous seasons.
Despite this, Ndiaye was eager to join the club, noting that Everton’s long-term interest in him was a significant factor in his decision to move to Merseyside.
He also sought advice from Everton midfielder Idrissa Gueye, his fellow Senegalese, which made the decision to move to Goodison Park an easier one for him.
Ndiaye expressed his enthusiasm, saying, “For me personally, the Premier League is the best league in the world. Everyone dreams of playing there. It’s not easy to reach it; many players aspire to play in the Premier League but haven’t managed to do so yet.
“I follow football closely—I live and breathe it. As a child, I was a fan of Chelsea and was mesmerized by Eden Hazard and Didier Drogba. Watching them play was truly amazing.”
Everton will host Brighton on Saturday as they kick off their final season at Goodison Park before relocating to their new stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock for the 2025-26 season.
Ndiaye shared his excitement about being part of this historic moment, motivated by his daughter’s words. He sees the potential opportunity to either become the last player to score at Goodison or the first to score at the new venue.
Speaking to BBC Sport from inside Goodison, he added, “It will be really special. I wanted to join the club before they move. Being part of this historic moment means a lot to me.
“I’m excited to score many goals and I enjoy getting fans on their feet. We all know our goal, and I believe we can finish higher than last season. I see positive aspects in the squad, like a strong sense of togetherness, which is very important.”