Iliman Ndiaye chooses Manchester City after late transfer battle with Arsenal and Tottenham

Manchester City completed the signing of Iliman Ndiaye from Everton on the final day of the transfer window, with the Senegal international describing the move as the biggest opportunity of his career.

The 26-year-old forward has signed a five-year contract at the Etihad Stadium in a deal understood to be worth 76m euros. The fee is a record for a Senegalese player.

Ndiaye had emerged as one of the most sought-after players in the Premier League during the closing days of the window. Tottenham and Arsenal both showed strong interest, with Spurs reportedly reaching an agreement and arranging a medical for the player.

However, Manchester City entered the negotiations late and secured his signature. Ndiaye ultimately made clear that he wanted to join the side managed by Enzo Maresca.

Speaking for the first time as a City player, Ndiaye said he had been convinced by the club’s recent achievements and its plans for the future.

“It’s easy to decide if you want to be at Manchester City or not. You can see their recent history: you want to be part of this project. They spoke to me about the direction, about what we could achieve with me in the team, and I was interested from the beginning. I wanted nothing else but to join Manchester City.”

He added: “Obviously, you want to be part of this new project. I have seen recently what they have achieved and I think I will fit in perfectly. I am super excited to get started. It is an incredible moment. I have worked so hard to get here and I am immensely grateful for this opportunity.”

Ndiaye said the transfer represented the fulfilment of a long-term ambition.

“I have worked my whole life for an opportunity like this. City are one of the best clubs in the world. To write my own chapter in such a beautiful story is the chance of my life. It has not always been easy in my career, but I have always believed I could play for a team aiming for the biggest trophies, and now I am here. I like playing with the ball on the ground in an attacking team that tries to score as many goals as possible. That is why I know this is the perfect club.”

Manchester City’s director of football Hugo Viana also welcomed the arrival of the versatile attacker.

“Iliman is a very talented footballer. He has had to work incredibly hard to reach this level. City fans are going to have immense pleasure watching him play for us. We are committed to every player we recruit to making them a better footballer, and I am excited to see how far Iliman can go under Enzo and his staff.”

Ndiaye leaves Everton after two seasons in which he made 74 appearances in all competitions. He scored 17 goals and provided four assists during that time.

The forward can play on either flank or through the middle. Before joining Everton, he represented Marseille and Sheffield United, and he also had a brief loan spell at Hyde United in 2020.

Manchester City’s transfer activity is not yet complete. The club are close to finalising the signing of Enzo Fernandez from Chelsea for 146m euros, a fee that would equal the British transfer record.

Ndiaye could make his Manchester City debut when Coventry City visit in the Premier League on Saturday.

Alexis Fonseca