Manchester City have officially announced the acquisition of winger Iliman Ndiaye for a total fee of £65 million. The structure of the agreement includes a guaranteed sum of £60 million, with an additional £5 million available through performance-related bonuses. Ndiaye, who was also on the radar of Tottenham Hotspur, has committed to a five‑year contract with the Etihad Stadium side.
In a related move, Jack Grealish is set to depart City in a separate transaction. The English international has been granted permission to undergo a medical at Everton, and the clubs have agreed on a season‑long loan that will see him finish the final year of his Manchester City contract on Merseyside.
In addition, Sky Sports News reports that Everton have submitted an offer for Manchester United forward Joshua Zirkzee, indicating a busy summer for the Premier League club in the transfer market. Ndiaye’s arrival comes at a time when Liverpool turned down an £80 million bid from Manchester City for Dutch forward Cody Gakpo. Sources close to Liverpool suggest the decision was driven by concerns over the difficulty of finding a suitable replacement for Gakpo should the deal have gone through.
The rejection underscores the competitive nature of the market for attacking talent this window. Manchester City’s transfer strategy appears focused on bolstering both the flanks and the central midfield before the deadline. The club recently secured a joint‑British record fee for Chelsea’s Enzo Fernández on Deadline Day, demonstrating their willingness to invest heavily in key areas.
Earlier in the month, City allowed Savio and Omar Marmoush to move to Tottenham, which narrowed the options available to manager Enzo Maresca on the wing. Interestingly, City did not name a winger among the substitutes in their recent victory over Crystal Palace, opting instead to start Phil Foden – a player Maresca has clarified is not a traditional winger – in a wide role at Selhurst Park. This tactical flexibility may have contributed to the decision to bring in a specialist wide‑forward like Ndiaye. Speaking after the signing, Ndiaye, who becomes the seventh summer addition to the squad, expressed his excitement: "I have worked my whole life for an opportunity like this.
City are one of the best clubs in the world and I have watched them win everything as I grew up. To be able to write my own chapter in a story that special is the chance of a lifetime and I am determined to grab it with both hands.
It hasn't always been easy in my career, but I always believed I could play for a team challenging for the biggest prizes, and now I'm here. It feels amazing.
I love playing with the ball on the ground in an attacking team that wants to score as many goals as possible. That's why I know this is the perfect fit." City’s director of football, Hugo Viana, added his perspective on the new signing: "Iliman is a very talented footballer. He has had to work incredibly hard to reach this level and in my first conversation with him it was immediately obvious how grounded he is and the determination he has to be the best player he can be.
I have no doubt City fans will be thrilled to see him in action for us." The signing of Ndiaye reflects Manchester City’s broader ambition to maintain dominance domestically while also challenging for European glory. By investing in a dynamic winger who thrives in a possession‑based, high‑pressing system, the club aims to add depth and variety to an already potent attack that includes the likes of Erling Haaland, Kevin De Bruyne, and Phil Foden. Ndiaye’s skill set – pace, dribbling ability, and an eye for goal – complements the existing roster and provides manager Pep Guardiola with additional tactical options, whether playing a traditional 4‑3‑3 or a more fluid 3‑4‑3 formation.
Beyond the immediate tactical benefits, the transfer also has financial implications. The £65 million fee, while substantial, is viewed as a strategic investment in a player who is still young and possesses resale value. Should Ndiaye develop as expected, his market value could increase significantly, offering City both on‑field performance and potential future profit.
Off the pitch, Ndiaye’s arrival has generated excitement among the fan base. Social media platforms have been buzzing with speculation about his potential impact, with many supporters eager to see how his style will blend with the existing squad. The club’s marketing department has already begun to feature Ndiaye in promotional material, signaling his importance to the brand’s future plans.
Meanwhile, the loan move for Jack Grealish to Everton adds another layer of intrigue to the summer saga. Grealish, who has struggled for consistent playing time at City, will have the chance to rediscover form at Goodison Park, while Everton gain a player with Premier League experience. This arrangement could prove beneficial for all parties if Grealish performs well and returns to City with renewed confidence. In summary, Manchester City’s £65 million acquisition of Iliman Ndiaye marks a significant addition to a squad already packed with world‑class talent.
The deal, structured with a £60 million guaranteed fee plus £5 million in bonuses, secures a versatile winger who aligns with Pep Guardiola’s tactical vision. Alongside the parallel moves involving Jack Grealish and potential interest in Joshua Zirkzee, the transfer window showcases City’s proactive approach to squad building, ensuring they remain competitive on all fronts as they chase further silverware.