Manchester City have officially announced the acquisition of winger Iliman Ndiaye for a reported 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 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 allows the former England international to regain regular playing time while Everton benefit from his creativity on the wing. Meanwhile, a separate negotiation involving Joshua Zirkzee has hit an impasse. Everton proposed a loan deal for the Dutch striker that would have seen them cover his wages for the season and pay a loan fee, amounting to roughly £10 million in total.
Manchester United, however, turned down the offer, leaving Zirkzee's future uncertain. Ndiaye's arrival comes on the heels of Liverpool rejecting an £80 million bid from City for Cody Gakpo, a move that underscored the Merseyside club's intent to retain its attacking talent. Sky Sports reports that Liverpool were uneasy about the prospect of finding a suitable replacement for the Dutch forward, adding another layer of complexity to the summer transfer market. City have been active in the market, seeking both a wide‑forward and a central midfielder before the window shuts.
Their efforts culminated in a joint‑British record signing for Chelsea’s Enzo Fernández on deadline day, a deal that reflects the club’s ambition to reinforce its squad across multiple positions. Earlier in the month, City allowed Savio and Omar Marmoush to depart for Tottenham, which opened up space on the flanks and gave manager Pep Guardiola more flexibility in his tactical setups. In the recent Premier League clash against Crystal Palace, City did not feature a traditional winger on the bench; instead, they deployed Phil Foden in a wide role, a decision that surprised some observers given that Foden is primarily a central midfielder. Speaking after his signing, Ndiaye expressed his excitement about joining one of the world’s most successful clubs.
"I have worked my whole life for an opportunity like this," he said. "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." He continued, "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 so good.
I love to play with the ball on the floor 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, praised Ndiaye’s character and work ethic. "Iliman is a very 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 get a thrill seeing him in action for us." The signing of Ndiaye marks the seventh addition to Manchester City’s summer roster, highlighting the club’s strategy of blending proven talent with promising young players.
While the transfer market continues to evolve, City’s focus remains on assembling a squad capable of competing on multiple fronts, from the Premier League to the Champions League. In addition to the high‑profile arrivals, the club has also been managing its wage bill and squad depth by allowing certain players to move on, as seen with the departures of Savio and Marmoush.
These moves free up resources for new signings and ensure that the team retains a balance between experience and youthful exuberance. The loan of Jack Grealish to Everton provides a mutually beneficial solution: Everton gain a player with Premier League experience and creative flair, while Grealish receives the regular minutes he needs to maintain his form and confidence.
The arrangement also aligns with City’s long‑term plans, as Grealish will return to the squad with renewed vigor after a season of consistent play. Overall, Manchester City’s transfer activity this window reflects a clear intent to reinforce key areas, maintain competitive depth, and continue their pursuit of domestic and European silverware. With Ndiaye’s arrival, the club adds a dynamic attacking option who fits seamlessly into Guardiola’s possession‑based philosophy, promising to add another dimension to an already potent offensive lineup.