Iliman Ndiaye has expressed his aspiration to eventually play in the English Premier League, sparking hopes of a potential return to Sheffield United. The Senegal international left the Blades in the summer following their promotion to the top-flight, opting to join his childhood club Marseille.
The decision was challenging for Ndiaye, who was on the verge of signing a new long-term deal with United. However, a last-minute change of heart led to the Blades reluctantly selling him just before the new Premier League season. Despite the difficulty of leaving after their rapid journey together, Ndiaye believes he made the right choice.
United, ensuring they didn’t lose him for free when his contract expired next summer, have felt his absence, currently at the bottom of the table without a win in their first eight games. Ndiaye, after taking time to settle in France, scored his first Marseille goal in his 10th appearance and has already experienced Europa League football this season.
Paul Heckingbottom has played a massive part in the Senegalese forward’s career after managing him in the development squad and the first team. But this season, United’s chief has missed his presence greatly at the top end of the pitch. United have lost their ability to defend from the front, due to Ndiaye’s relentless nature, and of course they’ve lost his creativity in and around the box.
In a recent interview with RMC Sport, Ndiaye exclaimed:
“There are many reasons for this choice. It was hard to choose between the Premier League and my favourite club. Playing European matches was part of my decision. It was a hard choice and I thought it through carefully. I think I made the right decision by joining OM.”
