Everton Defiant as Liverpool Plot Audacious ‘Cross-City Raid’ for Iliman Ndiaye to Replace Salah

Liverpool identify Everton’s Iliman Ndiaye as a potential Mohamed Salah replacement, but the Toffees are determined to block any cross-city transfer.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 27, 2026, 6:17 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from Football365

A Strategic Succession Plan for the Post-Salah Era

With Mohamed Salah’s nine-year tenure at Anfield officially set to conclude this summer, Liverpool’s recruitment team has shifted into high gear. According to reports from TEAMtalk, the club has been performing "due diligence" on several high-profile targets, including Michael Olise and Anthony Gordon. However, the name currently garnering the most serious attention behind the scenes is Everton’s Iliman Ndiaye. Liverpool’s decision-makers have reportedly been monitoring the attacker since the early stages of the 2025–26 campaign, viewing his versatility across the frontline and his clinical nature from the right wing as the ideal "softener" for the blow of losing their Egyptian icon.

Ndiaye’s Stellar Debut Season at the Hill-Dickinson Stadium

Ndiaye has been the standout performer for the Toffees during their historic inaugural season at the Hill-Dickinson Stadium. With six goals and three assists to date, he has been the primary engine behind Everton’s unexpected push for European qualification. His direct running and Premier League proven creativity have not only captivated the Goodison faithful but have also caught the eye of Manchester United, who reportedly view him as a prime candidate for their own forward overhaul. At 26, Ndiaye is entering his physical prime, making him one of the most coveted versatile forwards in the English top flight.

The ‘Short Shrift’ Stance from the Blue Half of Merseyside

Despite the building interest from Anfield and Old Trafford, Everton remain in a position of significant strength. Ndiaye is currently under contract until 2029, and the club is reportedly already preparing to offer him improved terms to reflect his status as their "star attraction." Sources close to the club indicate that any formal approach from Liverpool would be met with immediate rejection. The hierarchy at Everton is determined to avoid the optics of selling a key asset to their cross-city rivals, particularly as they look to establish themselves as a top-tier force in their new waterfront home.