Insider: Everton’s risk paid off as rivals missed out on getting a star player.

In a “gamble” to get Iliman Ndiaye, Everton moved ahead of other teams that were interested and are now paying off.

Mick Brown, a former scout for Man United, West Ham, and Aston Villa who still has a lot of connections in the game, told Football Insider that many other Premier League teams had looked at the forward.

But rivals pulled out of the race because of worries made during the scouting process, while the Toffees chose to ignore those worries.

So far, Ndiaye has been a bright spot in an otherwise difficult season at Goodison Park. His skill made him a fan favorite right away.

The 24-year-old player moved from Marseille in Ligue 1 to Man City for £20 million in the summer. He had only played for Marseille for one year.

After a great run in the Championship, Premier League teams first noticed his skills when he played in England with Sheffield United.

But Brown said that clubs weren’t willing to pay a lot of money to sign him because they weren’t sure how well his skills would apply to the top level.

Everton’s risky land move with Iliman Ndiaye pays off
He played for the Blades for four years and scored 22 goals and set up 14 others. During that time, he helped the team get promoted to the Premier League.

Brown, who has a lot of experience recruiting top-level players, said that clubs had let the Toffees have their way with the forward, but he praised them for taking a chance on his skill.

He told Football Insider, “I watched him play when he was at Sheffield United.”

“He was definitely the kind of player on that team who was a step ahead of his teammates.”

“He stood out because they didn’t have anyone else who could do what he did.”

“But some clubs were not sure if he could do the same thing when he moved up to the Premier League.”

“A few teams that were interested in him decided not to make a move for different reasons, so he went to Marseille.”

“He didn’t really do much in France, and English clubs were still interested, but some scouts were wary.”

“I think Everton used that to their advantage and took a chance on getting him.” There was a huge need for a player who could give them something new.

“That gamble paid off, so good for them; he’s been great since he made that move.” Wish them luck.