Everton cult hero Oumar Niasse has agreed to sign for Macclesfield in the seventh tier of English football.
The nine-capped Senegal international was recently named as one of two former Premier League stars training with the Silkmen, with ex-Newcastle United forward Papiss Cisse also vying to return to the club football.
Niasse has been a free agent since he was released by Morecambe at the end of the 2022-23 season, after signing a short-term deal with the then-League One club in March.
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The 33-year-old, who signed for Everton £13.5million from Lokomotiv Moscow in 2016, has penned a short-term deal with the Silkmen, who are managed by Alex Bruce, the son of Manchester United legend Steve. Bruce Jnr, who was recently named as Mark Duffy's replacement after the Liverpool-born former Sheffield United midfielder was relieved of his duties, is looking to guide Macclesfield into the National League North.
The Silkmen earned promotion - their second in succession - from the Northern Premier League West last season under another Scouser, Neil Danns, and currently sit fourth in the table, inside the play-offs but 12 points off leaders Radcliffe.
Niasee scored nine goals in 42 games for Everton and after leaving the club in 2020, penned a heartfelt letter to Blues fans, in which he said: "I would like to take this opportunity to thank Everton FC for giving me the opportunity to compete in the English Premier League. In particular a special thank you to Mr Roberto Martinez and the Everton board for making this possible.
"Although my circumstances were public and personally challenging, I leave Everton FC with a record of a goal every three games of playing time for the club. And I will always incentivise any young black athlete to come to England and perform at the highest level, no matter the difficulties, no matter the challenges.
"The Everton backroom staff, the fans and the north west of England welcomed me with open arms and I can only say again, thank you. Finally, I have decided to donate a percentage of my final week’s salary to the St Andrew’s Community Network who operate the North Liverpool Foodbank.
"They are doing an extraordinary work in very challenging circumstances and they are a reminder that together we can all contribute and play an active and positive role in society.
"I now look forward to my next challenge in football.”
