In February 2016, Roberto Martinez signed Oumar Niasse for £13.5m from Russian side Lokomotiv Moscow on Deadline Day. Niasse signed a four-and-a-half-year deal with the Merseyside club. Martinez hailed the signing of Niasse saying: “We’re delighted as Oumar is a player we’ve been following for a long time. He brings a real hunger and desire to be successful into what is already a strong squad.”
Unfortunately for Niasse, Roberto Martinez was sacked by Everton three months later and replaced by Ronald Koeman. During pre-season, Koeman informed Niasse that he was not wanted at Everton after one 45-minute appearance. Koeman made it clear that Niasse was not in his plans for the season. Following this conversation, Niasse was stripped of his shirt number and ordered to train with the club’s under-23 squad. He did not even have his own locker.
The Senegalese striker’s dream of playing in the Premier League was turning into a nightmare. He made five appearances for Everton, three from the bench, and failed to score. Despite being the fourth-most expensive signing in Everton’s history – behind Romelu Lukaku, Yannick Bolasie and Marouane Fellaini – it seemed Niasse was destined to fail at the club and in the Premier League.
With his dream of becoming a success in the Premier League in tatters, Niasse decided to go on loan at Hull City. He was one of Marco Silva’s first signings as Hull’s head coach.
Since this move, he has gone from strength to strength under the formidable Marco Silva. Niasse has made 11 appearances for the Tigers, including six starts. He has scored four league goals against Liverpool, Swansea and Middlesbrough. Niasse was voted Man of the Match against Swansea. He came on as a substitute and scored both of Hull’s goals to give them a crucial three points.
Niasse came to Hull with a point to prove and he has certainly done that. The terms of his loan deal included the option of a permanent transfer at the end of the season. If both Hull City and Oumar Niasse maintain their current form and remain in the Premier League, it is a deal that will be beneficial for both parties.
