Manchester City Complete Signing of Iliman Ndiaye
Iliman Ndiaye has joined Manchester City for an initial £60m, the Liverpool Echo reports. The 26-year-old Senegal international winger moves to the Etihad after a summer of intense interest from multiple clubs, including Al-Hilal and Tottenham Hotspur.
According to the Liverpool Echo, Manchester City stepped up their pursuit after their attempt to sign Cody Gakpo from Liverpool hit trouble. The move comes after a prolonged period of uncertainty over Ndiaye's future at Goodison Park, with Everton manager David Moyes publicly expressing his desire to keep the player as early as April.
Ndiaye had reportedly rejected fresh contract terms with Everton, seeking a clause that would make it easier for Champions League sides to sign him in the future. The Liverpool Echo notes that the Senegal international had three years remaining on his contract, leaving Everton in what was described as a position of strength.
The Race for Ndiaye
Earlier in the summer, Ndiaye had turned down a move to the Saudi Pro League, making clear his preference to remain in the Premier League, as reported by Yardbarker. Interest from Al-Hilal came to nothing, with Ndiaye's ambition of playing Champions League football a deciding factor, according to the Liverpool Echo.
Tottenham had emerged as a leading contender, with the Liverpool Echo reporting that Spurs moved towards a £60m deal that could have paved the way for a separate move for Richarlison to Everton. Yardbarker adds that Tottenham and Everton had quickly negotiated a double deal on Sunday that would have seen Ndiaye move to North London and Richarlison return to the Toffees.
However, the situation changed dramatically. Yardbarker reports that Liverpool rejected an £85m bid from Manchester City on Monday evening and made the final decision to keep Gakpo. This triggered a domino effect, with Manchester City then advancing in talks for Ndiaye, according to journalist Fabrizio Romano on X, as cited by Yardbarker.
Ndiaye's Profile and Impact
Ndiaye has been a standout performer for Everton, establishing himself as one of the Premier League's exciting wide attackers. Yardbarker notes he has played in both of Everton's Premier League games this season and registered an assist. The former Sheffield United man offers proven Premier League experience and versatility across the front line.
The Liverpool Echo describes Ndiaye as one of Everton's most important players. His departure represents a significant loss for the Toffees, who had hoped to retain him beyond the summer transfer window.
Implications for Tottenham
The move comes as a setback for Tottenham, who had viewed Ndiaye as an ideal alternative to Cody Gakpo. Yardbarker reports that Tottenham's new manager, Roberto De Zerbi, had previously worked with Ndiaye at Marseille, a connection that could have benefited Spurs had the transfer materialised.
Yardbarker also suggests that Jack Grealish could re-join Everton in a separate deal, with Manchester City currently ahead of Tottenham in the race for Ndiaye. However, this remains speculative at this stage.
Transfer Window Context
The Ndiaye transfer is part of a broader transfer window narrative involving several high-profile players. The failed Gakpo deal appears to have been a catalyst for City's move for Ndiaye, while Tottenham's pursuit was ultimately unsuccessful despite their efforts to structure a deal involving Richarlison.
As the summer transfer window progresses, the full ramifications of these moves will become clearer. For now, Manchester City have secured a talented winger, while Tottenham must look elsewhere to strengthen their attacking options.