(Credit: Manh Tung, Breaking Media/Imago)

Jack Heath

Tue 12 August 2025 21:00, UK

Jack Grealish looks set to oust Iliman Ndiaye from his starting position at Everton after he joined from Man City on a season-long loan.

Everton make major Tyler Dibling decision after Jack Grealish deal agreed	3 priority positions Everton must target after completed Jack Grealish deal	Everton star reacts after Jack Grealish 'likes' journalist's transfer post

The summer saga is nearly over for the England international as the former Aston Villa man looks set to join the Toffees for the 2025-26 campaign.

His arrival has seen Everton begin to lose interest in Tyler Dibling from Southampton after numerous bids for the teenager were rejected.

The loan deal has split opinions, including that of ex-Crystal Palace chairman Simon Jordan who believes neither Everton nor Grealish will benefit from the agreement.

Crucially, what remains to be seen is the impact of Pep Guardiola’s outcast on current left winger Ndiaye, who could play less of a role this season.

(Credit: Manh Tung, Breaking Media)

Looking at the Toffees squad, there is an evident weakness in their attacking unit: the right flank.

Having been occupied by an out-of-position James Garner to little effect, the pursuit of Dibling was thought to fill the vacancy.

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Now, former Head of Communications at Everton Alan Myers has provided an update on X (11 August) on their right-wing alternatives, including the exciting Abdul Fatawu of Leicester.

On David Moyes’ “list of targets”, the Ghanian international dazzled in short bursts in an injury-ridden campaign last year.

Now back from injury, the 21-year-old presents himself as a tasty looking option and, in my opinion, a trickier winger than Dibling.

If the Evertonians are to secure the Leicester star’s services, then it would appear that a switch of side for Ndiaye or Grealish would be out of the question.

In their careers, the pair have been reluctant to move away from their favoured side with the Englishman only playing 17 times on the right flank and the Senegalese just 10 times.

Between them the duo notched four goals and four assists, highlighting their poor performances when swapping wings.

With this in mind, does Moyes force one of the two to play on their unfavored side or does he force Ndiaye out to give the England international a starting berth on the left?

Jack GrealishIliman NdiayeAppearances1710Goals21Assists31Stats of both players when playing on the right-hand side (Source: Transfermarkt)

From my perspective, after forking out the money to cover the cost of Grealish’s enormous wages, it feels like the Scotsman will be pushed into a corner to maximise the value of the former Villain.

Some may argue that the England international is better used through the middle, but with both Carlos Alcaraz and Dwight McNeil thriving in that position, that doesn’t seem like the right move.

Signing on a permanent deal this summer, the Argentine looks set to compete for the number 10 spot (Credit: Imago)

Moreover, historic data shows that neither the 29-year-old nor Ndiaye have performed well when switched to the right flank which suggests one will have to make way to accommodate the other.

The Senegalese was talismanic when the ex-West Ham boss came in and it does feel wrong to isolate him and leave the African out for the inbound Grealish.

Yet, for a club financially strapped following the construction of the new stadium, maximising the usage of new signings makes total sense.

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The 25-year-old will have to adapt to playing a new position or risk losing his starting position in the side.

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The Englishman also offers unparalleled experience and composure which the former Sheffield United wide man has lacked during his spell on Merseyside.

With that in mind, it appears totally viable that the Villa academy graduate holds down the left-hand side and becomes the creative hub for a goal-shy Toffees team.

If Fatawu signs, Everton’s number 10 may have to work hard in training to get used to playing on an unfamiliar side, or risk playing less minutes next season.
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