Tottenham agree deal with Everton for Iliman Ndiaye as Richarlison heads back

Tottenham Hotspur have reached a preliminary agreement with Everton to sign Senegal forward Iliman Ndiaye, while also approving the departure of Brazil international Richarlison in the opposite direction, according to The Athletic.

The two transfers are being treated as entirely separate deals and are not linked, the report says. Medical examinations are the remaining step before both moves can be completed.

Ndiaye, 26, has been a reported target for Arsenal during the current summer transfer window. The forward joined Everton from Marseille in the summer of 2024 for £15.4m and has since made 71 appearances for the club, scoring 71 goals and providing three assists.

Richarlison, 29, is set to return to Everton four years after leaving the club for Tottenham. The Brazilian’s move back to Goodison Park would bring his spell with Tottenham to an end, subject to the completion of his medical.

The proposed arrangements would see Tottenham strengthen their attacking options with Ndiaye, while Everton bring back a player who previously established himself as an important figure at the club.

Ndiaye arrived at Everton from Marseille in 2024 and has remained at the centre of attention during this summer’s transfer activity. His reported connection with Arsenal had made him one of the players attracting interest, but the agreement with Tottenham would now put the north London club in pole position to secure his signature.

The deal for Richarlison is separate from Tottenham’s agreement for Ndiaye, despite the players potentially moving between the same two clubs during the same transfer window. The Athletic’s report makes clear that neither transfer is dependent on the other.

Richarlison initially left Everton four years ago to join Tottenham. His return would mark a significant change in the Brazilian’s career, taking him back to the club where he played before moving to north London.

For Tottenham, the proposed signing of Ndiaye would add a forward who has spent the past two seasons with Everton after arriving from Marseille. For Everton, Richarlison’s return would see them regain a player with previous experience of playing for the club.

Neither transfer has yet been completed. The relevant medical examinations must take place before the agreements can be finalised, with the report indicating that this is the final outstanding stage for both moves.