Iliman Ndiaye says Champions League ambition drove Manchester City move

Iliman Ndiaye has said the chance to play Champions League football shaped his decision to join Manchester City in a £60 million deadline-day move from Everton. BBC Sport reported that the 26-year-old also had the option of moving to Tottenham Hotspur before City entered the picture.

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The Senegal international was immediately placed in Manchester City's starting lineup for a 1-0 Premier League victory over Coventry City at the weekend. According to BBC Sport, Ndiaye attempted eight dribbles on his debut, more than any other player in the match, giving him an active first outing for his new club.

Tottenham had agreed a deal with Everton during the final week of the transfer window, the report said, but could not proceed after failing to sell Richarlison. Ndiaye said he remained patient while his future was being settled and was delighted when Manchester City made its move. He summed up the appeal by saying, "when Manchester City comes through you don't say no."

Ndiaye explained that leaving Everton was difficult because of the connection he had developed with the club's supporters and players. He spent two seasons with Everton, scoring 17 goals while the team finished in the bottom half of the Premier League in both campaigns. His move to City now gives him the Champions League platform he had wanted if he were to leave.

His route to the Etihad Stadium has included several levels of English and European football. Ndiaye began his professional career with non-league Boreham Wood and later played for Hyde United, located seven miles from City's home ground. He went on to play in the Championship for Sheffield United, spent a season with Marseille and joined Everton for £15 million in 2024.

The transfer represents another major step in a career Ndiaye described as being driven by hard work and a focus on what comes next. He called Manchester City one of the world's biggest clubs and pointed to the quality of its players, stadium and support. After making his debut in a league victory, his attention now turns to establishing himself within City's squad and taking the Champions League opportunity that influenced his choice.