Key Highlights
- Iliman Ndiaye’s journey from non-league football to the Premier League.
- Sherffield United’s low-key transfer gamble yielded a £20 million windfall.
- Ndiaye became Sheffield United’s top goalscorer and key player in their promotion to the Premier League.
- Sheffield United reluctantly accepted a bid from Marseille for Ndiaye, who later joined Everton.
The Journey of Iliman Ndiaye: From Non-League to Premier League Star
From playing in the non-league ranks of France and England, to representing Senegal at the World Cup, Iliman Ndiaye’s journey is a remarkable tale. Born in Paris with Senegalese heritage on his father’s side, Ndiaye began his footballing career in Rouen Sapins, a club just north of Paris, before moving to Marseille for two years. His time in England saw him join Boreham Wood and Rising Ballers, where he was discovered by Sheffield United.
Sheffield United took notice of Ndiaye’s potential and signed him in 2019 with a three-year deal, marking the beginning of his journey to the Premier League. Despite initially spending time in the club’s reserves and on loan at Hyde United, Ndiaye made his debut for Sheffield United in March 2021 against Leicester City, playing 11 minutes off the bench.
From Non-League to First Team Success
Ndiaye’s first major breakthrough with Sheffield United came during the 2019/20 season. After a stint on loan at Hyde United, he was introduced directly into the starting lineup against Peterborough United in January 2022, where he scored twice and grabbed an assist. This performance solidified his place as a key player for the club.
Under manager Paul Heckingbottom, Ndiaye became Sheffield United’s main man, playing in all 46 league games during their second-place finish that season. He finished as the team’s top goalscorer with 14 goals and added 11 assists, proving his worth to the club.
The Move to Marseille and Everton
Despite his success at Sheffield United, Ndiaye’s departure in 2023 was a blow for the club. Reluctantly, Sheffield United accepted a £20 million bid from Marseille for Ndiaye, where he had previously played as a youth player a decade prior. His move to Marseille did not turn out to be the dream return for him, starting only 19 of his 30 Ligue 1 appearances in one season.
Ndiaye’s next stop was Everton for around £15 million.
In his first season at Goodison Park, he scored nine goals and cemented himself as one of the most exciting forward players in the division. His goal at The Hill Dickinson Stadium was particularly memorable, marking a new chapter in his career.
The Impact of Sheffield United
Sheffield United played a pivotal role in shaping Ndiaye’s professional journey. From a casual player for Boreham Wood and Rising Ballers to the Premier League star he is today, Sheffield United provided him with the platform that allowed his talents to flourish. The club’s decision to take a gamble on Ndiaye has netted them a significant financial windfall, proving that sometimes, it pays to believe in young talent.
For Sheffield United, the story of Iliman Ndiaye is not just about the money but also about the impact he had on the club. His performances and contributions have left a lasting legacy at Bramall Lane, making him a symbol of what can be achieved with hard work and dedication in football.
