Crysencio Summerville was one player many Premier League fans were sure would not be relegated with West Ham United.
Relegation was certainly a chance for a rival to snatch the tricky Dutch winger from the Hammers.
A top Premier League side, or even a European club, was surely going to steal him from the London Stadium.
Well, it emerged that Manchester United had him as their number one winger target, and AS Roma also really wanted him.
But then, out of nowhere, Al-Hilal came in and splashed some crazy figures: £60 million, which is £20 million more than what United were looking to pay, winning the race for his signature.
Now, after Summerville, the Saudi Pro League side have turned their attention to another United target: Ilman Ndiaye.
With their financial muscle, it was always going to be tricky competing with them for the Everton and Senegalese winger.
Confirmed: Ilman Ndiaye to Al-Hilal not happening
Fortunately, though, Ndiaye to Al-Hilal is not happening, as his father has just set the record straight about this transfer speculation.
As quoted by Senegalese news site Wiw Sport, Ndiaye’s father confirmed:
“Many people called me to tell me that Iliman was going to leave. But rest assured, he is not going anywhere.
“He called me this morning. I even teased him with a few words in Arabic, and we laughed about it. He let me know that he had no intention of going to Saudi Arabia.
“[Ndiaye] He knows he can earn a lot of money there, but he also believes that his level may decline,” he concluded. “He is not the type to prefer money over his career.”
Uncertain if Manchester United will act on transfer opportunity
The Red Devils have been heavily linked with a move for Ndiaye, given they are searching for that dangerous winger who will light up the left wing.
The chatter that Ndiaye could be off to the Saudi Pro League certainly suggested Everton might be willing to sell.
But now, it may come down to INEOS’ willingness to splash the cash, as the Toffees may hold out for a premium fee if they are to let their attacking maverick leave.
That said, whether United are willing to splash the cash on a left winger remains to be seen, with a move for left-back Lewis Hall taking centre stage and Marcus Rashford likely to stay.
The Peoples Person Reliability Assessment
Overall credibility: 9/10
Why?
✅: Direct quotes from the father paint a clear picture of the transfer situation
✅: Al Hilal’s financial power would have been a major threat to United’s transfer hopes
⚠️: Whether United act on their interest in Ndiaye remains to be seen
TPP view
We view the revelation that Ndiaye is not moving to the Saudi Pro League as a big boost to Manchester United’s hopes of signing him, but it is now up to INEOS to act.
Featured image Alex Burstow via Getty Images
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Daniel Onguko
Dan is a writer with The Peoples Person, an avid Manchester United fan whose passion for the Red Devils evolved into writing about them. He was introduced to United back in 2008, and his love for the club has continued to grow ever since. Like every other United fan, he believes the club will soon return to its rightful place and strives to reflect that belief in his writing. While he has also written about other Premier League sides, including Arsenal for Just Arsenal and The Arsenal Analysis Blogspot, Dan lives and breathes Manchester United.
