Ten-time Ligue 1 winners Olympique de Marseille have completed the signing of Senegalese midfielder Iliman Ndiaye from Sheffield United for a reported fee of around €17 million, the club announced on Tuesday.
The French-born Senegal international, who turned down a new lucrative offer from the Blades, signs a long-term five-year deal to return to his boyhood club, where he spent four years as a member of the youth team.
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The 23-year-old enjoyed a stellar season last campaign, helping Sheffield United return to the Premier League after they finished second in the Championship, scoring 14 goals and providing 11 assists in 46 games in the English second division and 15 goals and 13 assists in all competitions.
Ndiaye departs Bramall Lane, where he began his professional career, with 22 goals and 14 assists in 88 matches. He won the club’s Player of the Season award last season and he was also included in the Championship’s Best XI.
He made his debut for the Teranga Lions of Senegal in June 2022 and has gone on to score on goal in seven matches, including three appearances at the FIFA World Cup in Qatar last year.
Ndiaye becomes the fourth African footballer Marseille have added to their ranks this summer, joining Gabon international and former Arsenal star Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Geoffrey Kondogbia, and compatriot Ismaila Sarr.
