The Blades bid farewell to their prized asset Iliman Ndiaye as he leaves to join his boyhood club Olympique Marseille. Sheffield United will receive a fee in the region of £20m, as reported on Sky Sports News.
Ndiaye, 23, was ever so close to signing a new deal with the club. The club had already filmed a promotional video because they were certain he would extend his contract. They even drafted a press release which included quotes from Paul Heckingbottom and Chief Executive Stephen Bettis, according to The Star. The Senegalese international was involved in filming – he would wear the famous number 10 shirt, and Billy Sharp was the narrator.
The quick U-turn shocked everybody, and now Sheffield United plans life without Ndiaye. They will receive around £20m to invest in the squad, and the club have a 20% sell-on clause.
Who could replace Ndiaye?
The natural answer is nobody. Iliman Ndiaye possesses his own unique style, so, all Sheffield United can try to do is to bring in players who also have their own style. They have already done this with Anis Slimane for e.g, it’s difficult to find a tall and strong well-rounded midfielder that is full of trickery.
A player that the Blades know well is James McAtee after a sensational loan spell last term. United could perhaps tempt Manchester City into one more loan spell, but Pep Guardiola is seriously considering keeping McAtee as a rotation option this season.
Another target could be Amad Diallo, who United have been previously linked with. The Manchester United youngster was the standout player for Sunderland last season where he scored 13 goals [FBref] in the Championship (one less than Ndiaye). Diallo can replicate Ndiaye’s dribbling ability, and maybe he would be available for a loan-to-buy deal.
The final player Sheffield United could look at is Georges Mikautadze from Metz in Ligue 1. The 22-year-old is touted as one to watch after scoring 23 goals and registering eight assists in 37 Ligue 2 appearances [FBref], helping them win promotion to the top division. Mikautadze was previously linked with the Blades earlier this summer and Le10sport reported United lodged a £15.6m bid for him.
