Valencia Basket awaits Real Madrid's decision on forward Eli Ndiaye, whose right of first refusal expires this Friday. The white club, caught up in the Hezonja saga, could match the offer or let him go.
Real Madrid holds the future of forward Eli Ndiaye in its hands. The white club has until 23:59 on this Friday, July 24, to decide whether to match the offer presented by Valencia Basket and retain the player trained in their academy. The taronja team formalised a proposal on July 18 to incorporate Ndiaye for the 2026-2027 season, but Real Madrid's right of first refusal allows them to keep the player if they match the financial terms.
Real Madrid's decision is influenced by the situation of Mario Hezonja. The Croatian forward announced on Monday his intention to pay the buyout clause of €850,000 to leave for the NBA, but according to sources from the white club, the player has not deposited the amount within the legal deadline. Therefore, Real Madrid considers Hezonja to still be their player and will be under the orders of Pedro Martínez. If the Croatian ultimately stays, the club may lose interest in bringing back Ndiaye, as both occupy a quota spot.
Eli John Ndiaye Faye, 22 years old and 2.04 meters tall, joined Real Madrid's academy at the age of 13 in 2017. He made his EuroLeague debut in 2021 under coach Pablo Laso and was part of the first team from 2022 to 2025. Last summer, he was not selected in the NBA Draft but signed a two-way contract with the Atlanta Hawks, allowing him to alternate between the NBA and their G League affiliate, the College Park Skyhawks.
Valencia Basket is closely monitoring the evolution of the Hezonja saga, as if Real Madrid retains the Croatian, it could pave the way for Ndiaye to land in the capital of Turia. However, Málaga is also keeping an eye on the situation: Unicaja fears that if Valencia fails to secure Ndiaye, they may pursue Tyson Pérez, a player with similar characteristics who is also liked by the taronja club.
For Madrid fans, Real Madrid's decision has a direct impact on the configuration of the white squad for the upcoming season. If Ndiaye stays, the team would gain a young and proven forward, trained in-house, who could fill the quota spot if Hezonja leaves. If he goes, Real Madrid would lose a player with potential, and Valencia Basket would strengthen with a national talent.
The deadline expires this Friday at midnight. Until then, Real Madrid must weigh its options: retain Hezonja and let Ndiaye go, or match Valencia's offer and secure a player who has already proven his worth in the white academy. The decision will shape the direction of both clubs in the transfer market.
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