Everton Must Plan Properly If Ndiaye Goes

With Ndiaye linked away, Everton cannot afford another reactive window. The argument is simple: get the replacement lined up early, and Matias Fernandez-Pardo is put forward as the ideal fit.

Rumours are intensifying around Ndiaye leaving Everton, with Arsenal and Manchester United reportedly interested. For me, the key thing is how we respond this time, because we have made too many mistakes in the past when we have lost our better talents.

We never seem to have a plan in place like the likes of Brighton, Brentford or Bournemouth do, and that is exactly what has to change if we want to move forward properly.

Replace first, sell second

If we know he is going, then we should look to get somebody in before we allow him to leave, not after. It sends a clear message to the players, the fans and the rest of the Premier League that, as a club, we are operating differently now.

It also helps us avoid getting bent over a barrel from clubs we are buying from, because everybody can see what you are trying to do when you wait until the last minute.

Why Fernandez-Pardo stands out

One name I have mentioned we should go after is Matias Fernandez-Pardo, from Lille. I said at the early stages of the season that we should be looking to make a move on this kid whilst we still can and before he carries on improving and the big clubs come sniffing. We may have missed the opportunity, but he would be a real statement signing and certainly soften the blow of losing Ndiaye.

At just 21 years old, Fernandez-Pardo is already viewed as one of the most promising attacking talents in Ligue 1. He does not have the usual stature of a winger, being 6ft 2inches tall, and he combines an imposing physical presence with the technical qualities you want from a modern wide player.

Style, role and what he would bring

His preferred position is on the left wing where he likes to cut inside onto his stronger right foot, but he is capable of playing across the entire front line. Lille have more recently started to utilise him as a centre-forward this season, and he has also played as a second striker and on the opposite flank. That versatility is one of his biggest assets.

The standout feature of his game is his ball-carrying ability. He drives forward with possession, backs himself in one-on-one situations and progresses the ball into dangerous areas. He is an aggressive dribbler who wants to attack defenders and create chances for himself or his teammates, and with his size and athleticism he can be difficult to stop once he builds momentum.

Off the ball, he is an intelligent mover, makes well-timed runs into the box and finds pockets of space between defensive lines. His pace and work rate say to me he would be well-suited to the intensity of Premier League football, and I have always felt players coming from France tend to find their feet quickly.

Risks, price and the bigger point

There are still areas for development, which is why we may have a chance at getting the lad. His finishing can be inconsistent and his end product has not yet fully matched the quality of his overall play. At times he can hold onto the ball too long or make the wrong decision in the final third, but that is fairly standard for wingers trying to make things happen.

I think he would suit us down to the ground because he is more effective in open games than against deep, compact defensive blocks, and what team ever sits in a low block against us.

Lille seem to take many clubs to the cleaners when it comes to selling their players, so I cannot see him being cheap. Still, if we are getting £55/65m for Ndiaye (as rumoured), then a fee around £40/50m for Fernandez-Pardo would represent a replacement and an investment, particularly if he suits our counter-attacking transitions, can cover the entire front line, and has the physicality Moyes likes.

If we managed to get him, it would be a real coup: a young, dynamic attacker with top level ball-carrying ability, positional flexibility and genuine star potential. Sign the lad up.

Written by BlueNose1878 June 4 2026 13:39:49