Iliman Ndiaye Explains Manchester City Choice After £60m Transfer

Iliman Ndiaye has described Manchester City's approach as an opportunity he could not reject after completing a £60m move from Everton. BBC Sport reported that the 26-year-old joined City on transfer deadline day before going directly into the starting lineup for a 1-0 Premier League victory over Coventry at the weekend.

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The Senegal international had also been in line for a possible switch to Tottenham. According to the BBC report, Tottenham agreed a deal with Everton but could not proceed after failing to sell Richarlison. Ndiaye said he remained patient through the final week of the transfer window and was delighted when City's interest developed.

Ndiaye explained that Champions League football was central to his decision. He said he had discussed with his wife that he would leave Everton only for a club where he knew he would play in the competition. While careful not to dismiss Tottenham's standing, he said Manchester City's call was not one he could turn down and described the club as one of the world's biggest.

His first appearance brought an immediate win and a prominent role in City's attack. BBC Sport noted that Ndiaye attempted eight dribbles against Coventry, more than any other player in the match. He said the victory completed a positive week and added that joining a squad of world-class players represented a major step in his career.

The transfer ends Ndiaye's two-season spell at Everton, where he scored 17 goals despite the club finishing in the bottom half in both campaigns. He acknowledged that leaving was difficult because of the connection he had formed with Everton's supporters and players. Everton had signed him from Marseille for £15m in 2024.

Ndiaye's route to Manchester City began outside the professional leagues with Boreham Wood. He later played for Hyde United, seven miles from City's Etihad Stadium, before establishing himself in the Championship with Sheffield United and spending a season at Marseille. Looking ahead rather than dwelling on that path, he said hard work had brought him to the level where he believed he belonged.