Manchester City secures Iliman Ndiaye from Everton
Manchester City have swooped in to snatch Iliman Ndiaye from under Tottenham’s nose, reaching an agreement in principle with Everton worth £65 million on transfer deadline day, reports BritPanorama.
The 26-year-old Senegalese forward had appeared set for a switch to north London, with Spurs given permission to negotiate personal terms with the player on Sunday. However, City moved decisively on Monday to secure the attacker, with a medical scheduled for Tuesday morning.
David Ornstein reported on X: “EXCL: Manchester City reach agreement in principle to sign Iliman Ndiaye. Deal for 26yo attacker £65m package + in process of being finalised; medical expected Tuesday morning.”
The dramatic intervention came after City’s plans to land Cody Gakpo from Liverpool fell through earlier on Monday. Enzo Maresca’s side had agreed an £85 million fee with the Reds for the Dutch forward, but the transfer collapsed when Liverpool were unable to secure a replacement.
With that deal dead, City turned their attention to Ndiaye, who had been the subject of advanced negotiations between Spurs and Everton. The north London club and the Toffees had been locked in discussions over a proposed £60 million package, with separate talks around Richarlison potentially heading to Goodison Park failing to materialise due to the Brazilian’s reluctance.
Ndiaye has established himself as one of Everton’s most effective attacking players since joining from Marseille in 2024, netting nine goals in his first campaign before adding six strikes and three assists last term. On the international stage, he has represented Senegal at both the World Cup and the Africa Cup of Nations, helping his country claim the continental title before it was subsequently stripped.
Despite Tottenham having agreed a fee with David Moyes’ side, TalkSPORT’s Alex Crook has suggested that the player himself pushed for the move to the Etihad, ultimately tipping the balance in City’s favour. Tottenham are now left searching for a left-sided attacker with the window rapidly closing and are understood to have entered discussions with Chelsea regarding a loan deal for Mykhailo Mudryk.
The Ukrainian winger represents a potential short-term solution as Spurs attempt to salvage their deadline day plans following a bruising 24 hours in the transfer market. City, meanwhile, are not finished with their business. Maresca’s side are also working to finalise a move for Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez before the window shuts, in what would cap a remarkable final day of summer spending at the Etihad.
As the transfer window slams shut, the shifting allegiances in football remind us just how quickly fortunes can change—a tantalising prospect for fans across the league.
