Iliman Ndiaye explains Manchester City choice after £60m move

Iliman Ndiaye has described Manchester City's approach as decisive after completing a £60m deadline-day transfer from Everton. BBC Sport reports that the 26-year-old went straight into City's starting lineup for their 1-0 Premier League victory over Coventry at the weekend, giving him an immediate first appearance for his new club.

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A move to Tottenham had appeared possible during the final week of the window after Spurs agreed a deal with Everton. According to the BBC, Tottenham could not proceed because they had been unable to sell Richarlison. Ndiaye said he remained patient throughout the uncertainty, but City's entry changed the direction of the transfer.

Ndiaye identified Champions League football as a central factor in his decision. He said he had discussed with his wife that he would leave Everton only for a club competing in the tournament. While making clear that his comments were not intended as a criticism of Tottenham, he said that when Manchester City made its move, "you don't say no." He added that the week had been capped by a win.

The Senegal international also acknowledged the difficulty of leaving Everton, where he spent two seasons and developed a strong relationship with supporters and teammates. Everton finished in the bottom half of the Premier League in both of those campaigns, but Ndiaye became a popular figure through his work on the flanks and scored 17 goals for the club.

His route to City included spells at several levels of the game. Ndiaye began his professional career in non-league football with Boreham Wood and later played for Hyde United, seven miles from City's Etihad Stadium. He subsequently featured in the Championship for Sheffield United, spent a season with Marseille and joined Everton for £15m in 2024.

There were early signs of his direct style against Coventry. BBC Sport's match data showed Ndiaye attempted eight dribbles, more than any other player in the game. After the match, he called the transfer a major step and said he had worked hard to reach one of the world's biggest clubs. His debut delivered the team result he wanted, while his longer-term opportunity will include the Champions League stage he made a condition of leaving Everton.