Manchester City sign Everton winger Iliman Ndiaye for £65m

Manchester City have completed the £65m signing of Everton forward Iliman Ndiaye, with the Senegal international agreeing a five-year contract at the Etihad Stadium.

The 26-year-old becomes the seventh player to join City during a busy transfer window and strengthens their options in wide areas.

Ndiaye’s move follows City’s unsuccessful attempt to sign Liverpool forward Cody Gakpo. Liverpool rejected an £80m bid for the Netherlands international because of concerns about whether they would be able to find a replacement before the transfer window closed.

The transfer also brings an end to Tottenham’s interest in Ndiaye. Spurs had agreed a deal with Everton on Friday, but the proposed move broke down when Richarlison could not agree personal terms with his former club.

Ndiaye spent two seasons at Everton after joining from Marseille in 2024. During that time, he made 74 appearances and scored 21 goals.

His career has taken an unusual route to the Premier League. Just over six years ago, Ndiaye made his professional debut in England’s seventh tier before progressing through the divisions and earning international recognition with Senegal.

City had been seeking additional cover on the wings after allowing Savio and Omar Marmoush to move to Tottenham. Their lack of natural wide options was highlighted during Friday’s win over Crystal Palace, when no winger was named among their substitutes and Phil Foden was used in a wide position.

Ndiaye said joining City fulfilled a long-standing ambition and gave him the opportunity to contribute to the club’s history.

“I’ve worked my whole life for an opportunity like this,” he said. “City are one of the best clubs in the world and I’ve seen them win everything as I’ve grown up.

“To be able to write my own chapter in a story that special is the chance of a lifetime and I’m determined to grab it with both hands.”

The agreement completes Ndiaye’s move away from Everton after his two-year spell at the club and adds another attacking option to City’s squad.

City’s pursuit of Gakpo had failed to result in a transfer after Liverpool turned down their offer. The decision was influenced by Liverpool’s difficulty in securing a replacement before the close of the transfer window, leaving City to complete a deal for Ndiaye instead.

Tottenham’s previous agreement with Everton had appeared to put Spurs in position to sign the Senegal player, but Richarlison’s failure to settle personal terms with his former club caused that move to collapse. City subsequently secured Ndiaye’s signature.

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