Manchester City secure Iliman Ndiaye as Everton winger signs five-year contract

Manchester City have announced the signing of Iliman Ndiaye from Everton in a deal worth £65m, with the 26-year-old agreeing a five-year contract at the club.

The transfer includes an initial £60m payment to Everton, with a further £5m available in bonuses and performance-related add-ons, according to Sky Sports.

Manchester City welcomed the Senegalese winger on social media with the message: “Welcome to City, Iliman 🩵”.

Ndiaye’s move comes after Manchester City were unable to sign Dutch forward Cody Gakpo. Liverpool rejected an £80m offer for the player, prompting City to pursue Ndiaye as an alternative option on the wing.

Liverpool had been reluctant to agree to Gakpo’s departure because of concerns about whether they would be able to bring in a suitable replacement before the transfer window closed.

Manchester City had been looking to strengthen their wide attacking options as well as add a midfielder, after allowing Savio and Omar Marmoush to leave for Tottenham earlier in the month.

Those departures reduced Enzo Maresca’s choices in the wide positions. During Friday’s victory over Crystal Palace, the team’s substitutes did not include a winger, while Phil Foden started in a wide role despite the manager acknowledging that he is not naturally a winger.

City are also preparing to announce what several media reports describe as a major signing of their own, with Enzo Fernandez set to join from Chelsea in what would be the most expensive transfer in Premier League history.

Ndiaye said he had worked throughout his career for the opportunity to join a club competing at the highest level.

“Worked all my life for a chance like this,” he said after completing the transfer.

“Manchester City is one of the best clubs in the world, and I have watched them win every trophy since I was young. To be able to write my own chapter in such a special story is the opportunity of a lifetime, and I am determined to take it with both hands.”

He added: “My journey has not always been easy, but I have always believed in my ability to play for a team competing for the biggest titles, and now I am here. It is an incredible feeling.”

Ndiaye also explained why he believes his playing style suits his new club.

“I love playing the ball on the ground in an attacking team that wants to score as many goals as possible, and that is why I know Manchester City is the perfect place for me.”

Manchester City sporting director Hugo Viana praised Ndiaye’s progress and character after the deal was completed.

“Iliman is an extremely talented footballer. He has worked incredibly hard to reach this level and, from my first conversation with him, it was immediately clear how humble he is and how determined he is to become the best player he can be,” Viana said.

“I have no doubt that Manchester City fans will hugely enjoy watching him play in the team’s shirt.”

The transfer gives Manchester City another option in attack following the departures of Savio and Omar Marmoush, while the club’s pursuit of reinforcements continues in other areas of the squad.

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