Sheffield United have confirmed the news that Iliman Ndiaye’s move to Marseille has been completed. The transfer is for an undisclosed fee but is believed to contain a significant sell-on clause.
Yorkshire Live revealed this week that United came agonisingly close to getting the 23-year-old to sign an extension to his contract, which was due to expire in 12 months’ time. However, a last-minute change of heart saw officials agree a deal with the Ligue 1 side over the weekend.
In a statement,
Sheffield United said: “Sheffield United have reluctantly accepted a bid from Olympique de Marseille for the transfer of Iliman Ndiaye. Paul Heckingbottom, the management and board all wanted the Senegalese forward to spearhead United’s forthcoming Premier League campaign. The Blades offered Ndiaye, 23, a new, lucrative contract and talks were initially positive, but the club were unfortunately forced into negotiations with the French Ligue 1 outfit after the player himself expressed a desire to join his boyhood team.”
CEO Stephen Bettis added: “Obviously, we wanted to keep Iliman, but unfortunately the player made it clear that he wanted to make the move happen, despite our best efforts to convince him to stay and play Premier League football. We thank him for his efforts and wish him well. With regards to the short-term, the plan is to support Paul Heckingbottom and the coaching team to be ready for the first game of the season against Crystal Palace.”
Ndiaye burst on to the scene two seasons ago and wasted no time in establishing himself as the team’s talisman. His form in a red and white shirt last season also came hand-in-hand with a breakthrough on the international scene, where he represented Senegal at the World Cup in Qatar.
His 14 goals and 10 assists were instrumental in firing United to the Premier League in a promotion that was vital to the club’s health following off-the-field financial issues. Manager Paul Heckingbottom must now look to find a replacement, with his departure a big loss so soon to the start of the new season.
