Iliman Ndiaye has suggested a future return to Marseille cannot be ruled out, with the Everton forward admitting he believes his story at the French club is "not over" despite a difficult spell there earlier in his career.
The Senegal international has become one of Everton's most important players since arriving on Merseyside, but his latest comments indicate he still has strong emotional ties to Marseille and feels he had unfinished business at the Ligue 1 side.
Reflecting on his time in France, Ndiaye made it clear that joining Marseille fulfilled a childhood ambition.
Ndiaye reflects on difficult Marseille spell
The 26-year-old arrived at Marseille amid huge expectations but struggled to make the impact many supporters hoped for.
During his only season at the club, Ndiaye registered four goals and five assists in 46 appearances before moving on.
Looking back, the Everton star believes the transfer came at the wrong stage of his development.
“At a club like that, you have to perform very quickly.
“I struggled; I won’t deny it.
“I lacked a bit of experience at the highest level.”
— Iliman Ndiaye, via France Football
The forward explained that he had not followed the traditional academy pathway and arrived in Marseille with limited experience of elite-level football, making adaptation more difficult than many realised at the time.
Everton success has changed his perspective
Since leaving France, Ndiaye has developed into one of Everton’s standout performers.
The attacker has recorded 17 goals and three assists in 71 appearances for the club, establishing himself as a key figure and significantly increasing his market value.
His performances have reportedly attracted interest from several major clubs, with recent speculation linking him to Manchester United.
Having followed Everton’s progress over the past two seasons, Ndiaye’s growth has been one of the club’s most encouraging success stories. The confidence and consistency he now displays were not always evident during his Marseille spell.
That development has strengthened his belief that he would be better equipped to succeed if given another opportunity in France.
“It’s certain that if I’d arrived two years later, with two Premier League seasons under my belt, I’m sure the story would have turned out very differently at OM.” — Iliman Ndiaye, via France Football
Forward hints at unfinished business
Rather than viewing Marseille as a failed chapter, Ndiaye appears to see it as an important part of his football journey.
His comments suggest he still holds the club in high regard and would welcome the possibility of returning one day.
The Everton star stopped short of discussing any immediate transfer plans, but his final remarks are likely to attract attention among Marseille supporters.
“I’m a believer and I think what happened was meant to happen.
“Perhaps that season in Marseille even helped me in the long run.
“And I’m certain the story isn’t over at all with Marseille.”
— Iliman Ndiaye, via France Football
While there is no indication of an imminent move, the door has clearly been left open for a future reunion.
Key Points
- Iliman Ndiaye believes his Marseille story is not finished.
- The Everton forward spent one season with the French club.
- He feels the move came too early in his career.
- Ndiaye has become a key player since joining Everton.
- The Senegal international believes his Premier League experience has improved him significantly.
What’s Next?
For now, Ndiaye's focus remains on Everton, where he continues to be one of the club's most influential attacking players. Any potential return to Marseille appears to be a long-term possibility rather than an immediate objective.
However, his comments will undoubtedly spark interest in France, particularly if Everton receive major offers for the forward in future transfer windows. Whether a reunion ever materialises remains uncertain, but Ndiaye has made it clear he has not closed that chapter of his career.
Should Iliman Ndiaye eventually return to Marseille, or is his future now firmly tied to the Premier League?
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