Iliman Ndiaye is a name who a lot of Sheffield United fans are hoping to see more of in the coming weeks and months.
The 21-year-old Blades starlet has been a fixture in the first-team squad for a while now, albeit he has just one appearance to his name. That appearance came in the 5-0 drubbing at Leicester City. And while we didn’t get to see much of Ndiaye that day, he’s clearly impressing at Shirecliffe.
Indeed, the Sheffield Star claimed a few weeks ago that United could be preparing to offer Ndiaye a new contract. As they suggest, it makes sense, both to protect an asset from the club’s point of view, and give Ndiaye a show of faith.
And that stance could well give everyone an indication that everyone at Sheffield United is expecting to see more and more of Ndiaye. Next season, then, could well be the time to shine for the youngster.
Iliman Ndiaye to be like a new signing for Sheffield United
It’s going to be a tricky old summer for United to negotiate. Prince Abdullah has already essentially said that some players might leave. We all know who the most likely to go are. Sander Berge, John Egan, and Jack O’Connell, being the three common names to crop up.
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Getting replacements will not be easy. Money will be tighter, and depending on who the new manager is, targets could vary massively.
But in Ndiaye, United potentially have someone in the squad already who can save the club millions. He’s already hit double figures for the under-23s and while some see him as a forward, he does drop deeper, suggesting a number ten role could suit.
That, of course, is something United fans want to see. Mark Duffy executed the role perfectly in the promotion season. Ndiaye, then, could do well to go out and get studying Duffy’s performances over the summer.
We’re still to get a full glimpse of Iliman Ndiaye as supporters. Hopefully, that will come in the next few weeks. And with a bit of luck, he could be just what we’re looking for ahead of next season.