Sheffield United fans, players and coaches were all gutted when Iliman Ndiaye was sold last summer but his move to Marseille has simply not worked out.
Ndiaye has been given ample opportunities by the French side but has failed to shine.
The Senegal international has just four goals to his name and has been well and truly outshone by the experienced former Arsenal striker, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.
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For Ndiaye, it’s not been what he dreamed of when he left United in the lurch last summer.
And according to reports in France, Ndiaye could be in the last chance saloon when Marseille face Benfica in the Europa League this week.
French media unimpressed with Iliman Ndiaye
Reporting on Ndiaye, French media outlet Le Phoceen discuss the former Blades star and have some scathing words towards the forward.
Writing about Ndiaye, the publication suggests the 24-year-old may not possess the talent to succeed at a club like Marseille.
“Although there is a debate within the “OM Team” regarding Ndiaye’s intrinsic level, everyone agrees to answer the question negatively: Is Iliman Ndiaye having a good first season at OM? Obviously, the performances of the Senegalese international are not up to expectations, nor those of an ambitious team aiming for the top places in Ligue 1,” Le Phoceen writes.
“However, Ili, as he is nicknamed by the dressing room, showed at times undeniable technical qualities, ball retention, elimination and impact. Unfortunately, these actions have often been marred by a lack of lucidity, confidence, or perhaps talent for some.”
Sheffield United return on the cards for Iliman Ndiaye?
The report mentions that Ndiaye could be in a position in the summer where he is surplus to requirements, while Sport Witness suggest Sheffield United should keep an eye on the situation.
However, the likelihood of Ndiaye returning to Bramall Lane is scarce at best.
For a start, the fee it would take to bring him back would be huge and given the Blades are going down this season, that money simply won’t be available.
Some may suggest a cheeky loan bid might work. But even that is hard to fathom and let’s not forget, Ndiaye is hardly in favour with a lot of United fans for how he left.
A lot has been made of Ndiaye’s first season in France since he left United. And rightly so, he was one of the best players we’ve seen in recent times.
However, the idea he returns to United is something we shouldn’t get excited about.
Ndiaye deserves another season in France. Only then, will Marseille be able to tell if he’s a flop or not.