Everton’s move to the Hill Dickinson Stadium last season was one which could allow the club to compete with some of Europe’s elite in the years ahead.
David Moyes’ men were unable to match the hierarchy and fanbase’s expectations of securing European football – subsequently finishing 13th in the Premier League.
However, the summer presents a fresh opportunity for the Toffees to inject needed quality into the senior ranks and build on the foundations laid on Merseyside in recent seasons.
One player in particular has played a key role in the club’s efforts, with his stats from last campaign highlighting his quality in attacking areas of the pitch.
How Ndiaye compared to other Premier League attackers in 2025/26
Back in the summer of 2024, Everton secured the £15m signature of winger Iliman Ndiaye from Marseille after the forward fell down the pecking order in France.
The Senegalese international has exceeded all expectations on Merseyside in recent seasons, but last season was a superb all-round campaign for the 26-year-old.
His tally of nine combined goals and assists in England’s top-flight last term was the third highest in the squad, with only Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall and Beto registering more.
Ndiaye’s biggest asset to his game in 2025/26 was his dribbling, as seen by his remarkable tally of 2.4 successful take-ons per 90 and his 55% dribble success rate.
|
Iliman Ndiaye – PL stats (2025/26) |
|
|---|---|
|
Statistics (per 90) |
Tally |
|
Games played |
32 |
|
Goals & assists |
9 |
|
Successful dribbles |
2.4 |
|
Dribble success rate |
55% |
|
Shot on target accuracy |
51% |
|
Pass accuracy |
84% |
|
Duels won |
6.2 |
|
Defensive contributions |
9.2 |
Both of the aforementioned figures are higher than 85% of other attackers in England’s top-flight – subsequently highlighting how good he was with the ball at his feet last term.
The 26-year-old also managed to achieve a 51% shot on target accuracy rate – also placing him in the top 20% of forwards within the Premier League last season.
As a result of his tremendous performances, he’s appeared on the radar of Manchester United, but Moyes and the fans will be desperate to keep hold of the club’s star attacking talent.
The player who’d be Everton’s best signing since Ndiaye
If Everton are to make the next step and push for a European spot, Moyes will need added reinforcements from the hierarchy to help him in his quest.
Hayden Hackney has already made the move to Merseyside this summer, subsequently joining the Toffees for a reported £16.5m from Championship side, Middlesbrough.
Further business is undoubtedly expected before the window closes in September, with Bayer Leverkusen striker Christian Kofane another player who could join Moyes’ men.
It’s been reported by journalist David Schill that talks between the player’s agent and the Toffees took place at Finch Farm earlier this week to try and progress a deal.
He also states multiple other Premier League clubs have been in discussions with the Cameroonian international, but Moyes’ men are currently best placed to secure his signature.
It’s unclear how much a deal for the 19-year-old would cost this summer, but a move for the teenager would massively push the club closer to reaching their target.
Despite his tender age, Kofane, who’s been dubbed “outstanding” by Jacek Kulig, has already made waves in his professional career, as seen by his tally of five goals and four assists in the Bundesliga last campaign.
He achieved such a record from just 12 league starts, subsequently registering a goal or an assist in every 137 minutes he featured in Germany’s top-division.
The youngster even netted in the Champions League for Leverkusen last season – further highlighting his ability to deliver the goods on the biggest stage.
Kofane’s 58% dribble success rate and tally of 2.4 aerials won per 90 showcases his all-round talent – something which is only going to improve as he gains further experience.
Other tallies, such as 1.4 shots on target per 90 and 1.3 chances created per 90, further reflect his quality in attacking areas – whether that be going alone or providing opportunities for his teammates.
It’s evident the Cameroonian youngster is a player who is already a top-level talent and one who can undoubtedly make a huge impact upon any move to Everton this summer.
A partnership of Ndiaye and Kofane is certainly one for the supporters to get excited about, with the duo able to have a huge say on the Toffees’ ambitions of securing European football.
Should the 19-year-old get anywhere near the levels of the Senegalese international star on Merseyside, the deal for the Leverkusen talisman could prove to be worth every penny.
