It’s pretty safe to say that Iliman Ndiaye’s move from Sheffield United to Marseille hasn’t quite gone to plan.
The Blades were forced into selling Ndiaye for around £20m in the summer in what many have seen as a turning point in United’s preparations for this current season.
At the time, Ndiaye’s exit stung but there was an understanding among Blades fans that a chance to sign for his boyhood club, in addition to United bringing in decent money, made sense.
However, Ndiaye himself is struggling over in France and according to La Provence, could even be moved on as soon as this summer.
Comments relayed from the article by Sport Witness claim that there is a frustration and stress from Ndiaye’s side, who accepts that he has not been good enough since signing for Marseille.
It’s suggested that he will be given time this season to show himself as a good player for the Ligue 1 giants. So far, Ndiaye has scored just the single goal in 17 league appearances.
However, it’s also claimed that should he not turn it around, then he’ll be listed for transfer as soon as this summer, despite signing a 5-year deal.
A shame to see Ndiaye struggle but grass not always greener
We said on this site at the time that Ndiaye’s move to Marseille in the circumstances that prevailed tarnished any sort of legacy he was building at Bramall Lane.
However, it’s also not good to see him struggling so much for Marseille. We all know just how good Ndiaye can be and that season in the Championship was one of the most memorable individual performances the club has seen for some time.
Of course, if there’s any sort of chance of Ndiaye returning to United then most fans would be all ears to those suggestions. Relegation is probably going to put an end to those hopes, but you never know.
Ndiaye, then, will be hoping to finish strong this season in any minutes he does get. But it does seem like time is ticking already and at big clubs, this is what happens.