Liverpool’s pursuit of a new wide forward has taken an intriguing turn as the transfer window enters its crucial final weeks.
According to recent reports senior figures at the club have made exploratory contact with the representatives of Everton midfielder Iliman Ndiaye.
While no direct negotiations have taken place between the two Merseyside clubs, the dialogue with Ndiaye’s camp underlines Liverpool’s intent to explore every viable contingency.
Manchester United and Arsenal have also held introductory discussions with the Senegal international's representatives.
Ndiaye has already turned down lucrative proposals from the Saudi Pro League, making it clear his priority is to remain in top-flight European football.
Having registered 20 goal involvements across 73 appearances for Everton, the 26-year-old’s progression has caught the eye of several top-six recruiting teams.
Navigating a direct deal across Stanley Park carries distinct financial and political hurdles. Everton hold an initial baseline valuation near £75 million for suitors outside the city, but senior figures at both clubs recognise that selling a top performer to Liverpool would demand an exceptionally high premium.
Consequently, decision-makers view a completed cross-town transfer as an unlikely outcome, even as the player's management assesses interest across England.
The Senegalese forward's preference for top-tier European competition keeps his options open, but Everton remain reluctant to weaken their squad without significant leverage.
The financial demands established by the Goodison hierarchy serve as a formidable barrier, particularly for domestic rivals attempting to complete late business.
The 26-year-old English midfielder Nick Barmby created widespread controversy when he left Toffees territory for Anfield in a £6 million deal in July 2000. Eighteen months later, the 29-year-old Portuguese defender Abel Xavier became the last player to make the direct jump across Merseyside in January 2002 for a £750,000 fee.
Further back in history, the legendary 30-year-old English forward Dave Hickson made headlines in 1959 by joining the Reds directly from their local rivals, following earlier 20th-century predecessors like Tony McNamara in 1957 and John Heydon in 1949.
The extreme rarity of these historical moves underscores why Everton hold an initial baseline valuation near £75 million for external suitors.
The Barcola valuation gap
The primary focus for Liverpool's recruitment team remains Paris Saint-Germain’s 23-year-old French attacker Bradley Barcola. The highly rated winger has informed PSG leadership of his intention not to extend his current deal beyond 2028, expressing a strong desire to relocate to Merseyside.
Personal terms between Liverpool and the French international's representatives are not expected to present a barrier.
The central obstacle remains the gap in club-to-club valuation. PSG are holding firm on an asking price approaching £145 million, whereas Liverpool value the young Frenchman closer to £100 million. By maintaining active communication with alternative targets, Liverpool's will aim to safeguard against prolonged delays while signalling to Paris that they will not pay above their structural limits.
Liverpool do not plan to buy both players in the same transfer window. Instead, talking to other options gives them a safety net in case negotiations in France completely break down.
Liverpool are still pushing hard for their main French target, but they are keeping their options open so they do not end the summer without a new winger.
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