Manchester City have confirmed the completion of a £65 million agreement with Everton for the Senegalese winger Iliman Ndiaye, positioning him as a potential alternative to the Dutch forward Cody Gakpo. The deal, which has been in the works for several weeks, was reportedly accelerated by ongoing negotiations between the two clubs concerning the possible sale of Jack Grealish. While the Grealish talks have been the headline, the Ndiaye transaction has now taken centre stage, with City’s financial package split into a guaranteed £60 million fee plus an additional £5 million in performance‑related bonuses that will be triggered by appearances, goals or other predefined milestones.
The background to this move is layered with a number of interconnected transfer stories across the Premier League. Earlier this week, Tottenham Hotspur’s pursuit of Ndiaye was reportedly hampered by Richarlison’s indecision about a permanent switch to Everton.
Richarlison’s hesitation delayed the finalisation of a separate deal that had been in advanced stages since the previous day, prompting Spurs to look elsewhere for reinforcement. In response, Tottenham have opened preliminary discussions with Chelsea about the possibility of securing a loan for Ukrainian winger Mykhailo Mudryk, indicating that the club is actively reshuffling its target list.
Meanwhile, on Monday Liverpool turned down Manchester City’s £80 million offer for Cody Gakpo, a forward who has been a focal point of interest for several top‑flight clubs. According to sources at Sky Sports News, Liverpool’s reluctance stems from concerns about the difficulty of finding a suitable replacement for the Dutchman should the transfer go through. The Blues remain cautious, weighing the financial gain against the sporting risk of losing a proven goal‑scorer. City’s broader transfer strategy appears to be focused on bolstering both the wide areas and the central midfield before the summer window shuts.
In addition to the Ndiaye signing, the club has reportedly entered talks with Chelsea regarding a potential move for Enzo Fernández, the Argentine midfielder who impressed during his spell at the London club. The negotiations with Chelsea are said to have begun on Monday, reflecting City’s intent to secure a creative engine capable of linking play between defense and attack. The recent transfer activity has also seen Manchester City facilitate the departure of two of their own wing options. Savio and Omar Marmoush were allowed to join Tottenham earlier in the month, a decision that has narrowed the choices available to head coach Enzo Maresca when selecting a wide player.
This reduction in options was evident in City’s recent Premier League match against Crystal Palace, where the squad list did not feature a traditional winger on the bench. Instead, Phil Foden was deployed in a wide role at Selhurst Park, a tactical adjustment that Maresca openly acknowledged was not his preferred position for the English midfielder. Elsewhere in the league, Liverpool have been active on the market as well.
The Reds secured the signing of Bradley Barcola from Paris Saint‑Germain on Monday, adding a youthful, pace‑driven attacker to their attacking ranks. Additionally, Victor Muñoz, a versatile midfielder, arrived from Osasuna earlier in the summer, further expanding Liverpool’s depth ahead of a congested fixture schedule.
Tottenham’s transfer agenda this window has been particularly eventful. The club initially targeted Cody Gakpo, hoping to add a proven goal‑getter to their front line. However, after the Gakpo pursuit stalled, Spurs turned their attention to other options, culminating in the acquisition of Savio and Marmoush, both of whom have now moved on to City’s rivals. This fluidity underscores the dynamic nature of the transfer market, where clubs must constantly adapt their plans based on the actions of competitors.
The signing of Iliman Ndiaye is expected to provide Manchester City with a fresh attacking outlet. Ndiaye, who impressed during his spell at Everton with his speed, dribbling ability and eye for goal, offers a different skill set compared to Gakpo, whose physical presence and finishing prowess have been highlighted by many analysts. By adding Ndiaye, City not only secures a player capable of stretching defences with his pace down the flank but also gains a versatile forward who can operate across the front three, giving manager Pep Guardiola additional tactical flexibility.
Financially, the structure of the deal reflects a cautious approach by City’s hierarchy. The bulk of the fee – £60 million – is guaranteed, ensuring Everton receives a substantial sum up front.
The remaining £5 million in bonuses is tied to specific performance criteria, meaning that if Ndiaye meets or exceeds expectations in terms of appearances, goals, assists or other measurable contributions, Everton will benefit from the additional payout. This arrangement mitigates risk for both parties: City avoids overpaying if the player does not adapt, while Everton retains the possibility of further earnings should Ndiaye flourish.
Looking ahead, the Premier League’s transfer window remains open for a few more days, and clubs are expected to continue negotiating. Manchester City’s ambition to secure a wide forward and a central midfielder suggests that further activity could be on the horizon, potentially involving additional names linked with the club.
Fans will be watching closely to see whether the Blues can complete their recruitment plans before the deadline, and how these new signings will integrate into a squad that is already rich in talent. In summary, the £65 million acquisition of Iliman Ndiaye marks a significant development in Manchester City’s summer overhaul. It illustrates the club’s strategic focus on adding pace and variety to their attack, while also navigating a complex web of negotiations involving other top clubs. As the transfer window draws to a close, the impact of these moves will become clearer, shaping the landscape of the Premier League for the upcoming season.