Iliman Ndiaye joins Manchester City in £60m deadline-day move

Manchester City completed the £60m signing of Iliman Ndiaye from Everton on transfer deadline day, adding the Senegal forward to their squad before immediately handing him a Premier League start. BBC Sport reported that the 26-year-old made his City debut in a 1-0 victory over Coventry at the weekend.

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Ndiaye's destination had appeared likely to be Tottenham during the final week of the window. According to the BBC report, Tottenham agreed a deal with Everton but could not proceed after failing to sell Richarlison. City then entered the picture, and Ndiaye said he was delighted when their interest developed because he wanted to play in the Champions League.

The forward said there was no panic while his future remained unresolved and described joining City as a major step. He also said that playing for one of the world's leading clubs, alongside world-class players and at a top stadium, was the level he believed his work had prepared him to reach.

His move ended two seasons at Everton, where he became popular with supporters for his play on the flanks and scored 17 goals despite the club finishing in the bottom half in both campaigns. Ndiaye acknowledged that leaving was difficult because of the connection he had formed with the fans and his team-mates, but said players sometimes have to move on.

Ndiaye's path to Manchester City included a start in non-league football with Boreham Wood and a spell at Hyde United, only seven miles from the Etihad Stadium. He later played in the Championship for Sheffield United, spent a season at Marseille and joined Everton for £15m in 2024.

City put Ndiaye straight into their starting side against Coventry. He attempted eight dribbles during the match, more than any other player, as his new club secured a 1-0 win. The immediate selection gave him an early opportunity to settle into the team after a deadline-day transfer and begin the Champions League chapter he had made a priority.