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 £60 million plus an additional £5 million in performance‑related bonuses. Ndiaye, who was also being pursued by Tottenham Hotspur, has committed to a five‑year contract with the Etihad side.
In a parallel move, Jack Grealish has headed back to Everton on a season‑long loan that will occupy the final year of his contract with City. The loan arrangement sees Grealish re‑uniting with his former club, giving the Toffees a boost for the upcoming campaign. Meanwhile, a separate negotiation involving Joshua Zirkzee fell through when Manchester United turned down Everton’s proposal to secure the striker on loan.
According to Sky Sports News, Everton had offered a package worth roughly £10 million, which covered Zirkzee’s wages for the season and an additional loan fee, but United were not prepared to release the player. Ndiaye’s arrival at Manchester City follows Liverpool’s decision to reject an £80 million bid from City for Dutch forward Cody Gakpo. Sky Sports reports that Liverpool were uneasy about their ability to find an adequate replacement for Gakpo, which contributed to their refusal of the offer.
The transfer window remains busy for the Premier League giants. City have expressed a desire to strengthen both the wide‑forward and central‑midfield positions before the deadline.
In fact, they secured a joint‑British record transfer for Chelsea’s Enzo Fernández on Deadline Day, underscoring their intent to add quality across the pitch. Earlier this month, the club allowed Savio and Omar Marmoush to move to Tottenham, thereby narrowing the options available to manager Enzo Maresca on the flanks. In City’s most recent match, a 2‑0 victory over Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park, the starting eleven featured no traditional winger. Instead, Phil Foden – a player Maresca himself admitted is not a natural wide‑man – was deployed on the wing, highlighting the tactical flexibility the manager is willing to employ.
Speaking after signing his new deal, Ndiaye – who becomes Manchester City’s seventh summer signing – expressed his excitement and gratitude. "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 watched them lift every trophy 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’m 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 that competes for the biggest prizes, and now I’m here. It feels amazing. I love playing with the ball on the ground in an attacking side that wants to score as many goals as possible – that’s why I know this is the perfect fit for me." City’s director of football, Hugo Viana, also praised the new recruit.
"Iliman is an exceptionally talented footballer. He’s 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," Viana remarked. "I have no doubt City fans will be thrilled to see him in action for us." The signing of Ndiaye adds depth to a squad already brimming with attacking options.
His pace, technical ability, and eye for goal are expected to complement the existing forward line, which includes Erling Haaland, Phil Foden, and Jack Grealish when he returns from his loan spell. The club’s strategic approach this summer has been to secure a blend of proven talent and promising youth, ensuring sustained competitiveness on both domestic and European fronts.
Beyond the immediate impact on the pitch, the transfer reflects Manchester City’s broader financial muscle and willingness to invest heavily in talent. The £65 million outlay, while substantial, aligns with the club’s recent spending patterns, such as the record‑breaking deal for Enzo Fernández and the earlier acquisitions of players like Jack Grealish and Mateo Kovacic. Everton, on the other hand, will be hoping that Grealish’s return injects creativity and experience into a side that has struggled for consistency. The loan deal, which includes an option to extend, offers the Toffees a chance to re‑ignite their attacking play without a long‑term financial commitment.
In summary, Manchester City’s confirmation of Iliman Ndiaye’s £65 million transfer underscores their relentless pursuit of excellence, while the simultaneous movement of Jack Grealish back to Everton illustrates the fluid nature of modern football deals. Both clubs are positioning themselves for the challenges ahead, with City reinforcing a title‑winning squad and Everton seeking to revitalize their campaign through strategic loan arrangements.