Senegal midfielder Iliman Ndiaye has completed his move to his boyhood club, Olympique de Marseille, from Sheffield United, a newly-promoted Premier League side. The exciting transfer was officially announced by both clubs on Tuesday.

Having joined Sheffield United in 2019, Ndiaye has been an integral part of the team, showcasing impressive performances in 88 games and netting 22 goals during his time there. Notably, he played a crucial role in the team’s successful promotion campaign last season, contributing significantly with 15 goals and 13 assists in 52 appearances across all competitions.

Although United expressed reluctance in parting ways with the talented 23-year-old player, they ultimately accepted Marseille’s offer. The club had offered Ndiaye a tempting new contract in a bid to retain him for the top-flight challenges, but the player’s personal desire to return to his boyhood club in the French Ligue 1 compelled them to negotiate the deal.

Ndiaye’s football journey began in 2011-2012 when he joined Marseille’s youth ranks, and now he is set to return to his roots. Despite being born in France, he made the decision to represent Senegal on the international stage, and in 2022, he made his international debut. Ndiaye currently holds seven caps for Senegal and was part of the national team that competed in the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, where they reached the last 16 but were defeated by England.

The acquisition of Iliman Ndiaye by Olympique de Marseille is undoubtedly a significant boost to the club, and fans eagerly await his contributions on the pitch. With his talent and experience, he is expected to be a valuable asset for the team in their upcoming campaigns in Ligue 1 and beyond.