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 payment to his former club, with an additional £5 million available through performance‑related bonuses.
Ndiaye, who was also on Tottenham Hotspur’s radar, has committed to a five‑year contract with the Premier League champions. In a parallel move, Jack Grealish has headed back to Everton on a season‑long loan that will see him occupy the final year of his contract with Manchester City. The loan arrangement allows Grealish to gain regular first‑team football while Everton benefit from a player of his calibre without a permanent transfer fee.
Meanwhile, a separate negotiation involving Joshua Zirkzee has hit an impasse. Everton proposed a loan deal that would see them cover roughly £10 million in total costs – a figure that includes the player’s wages for the season and a modest loan fee. Manchester United, who hold Zirkzee’s registration, rejected the offer, leaving the Dutch striker’s future uncertain. Ndiaye’s arrival at the Etihad follows Liverpool’s decision to turn down an £80 million bid from City for Cody Gakpo.
Sky Sports reports that Liverpool were wary of their ability to replace the Dutch forward, which may have influenced their refusal to sell. City’s transfer activity this window has been relentless. The club has been targeting a wide attacker and a central midfielder to bolster the squad before the deadline.
Their pursuit paid off with the record‑breaking joint‑British deal for Chelsea’s Enzo Fernández, secured on the final day of the market. Earlier in the month, Manchester City allowed Savio and Omar Marmoush to move to Tottenham, thereby freeing up space on the wings for new signings.
The tactical implications of these moves were evident in City’s recent match against Crystal Palace. The manager opted not to name a traditional winger on the bench, instead deploying Phil Foden – traditionally a central midfielder – in a wide role at Selhurst Park. This decision underscored the club’s willingness to experiment with player positions as they integrate fresh talent. Speaking after signing, Ndiaye expressed his excitement and gratitude for the opportunity.
"I’ve worked my whole life for a chance like this," he said. "City are one of the best clubs in the world and I’ve 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’m determined to grab it with both hands. It hasn’t always been easy, but I always believed I could play for a team that competes for the biggest trophies, 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, praised Ndiaye’s character and work ethic. "Iliman is an incredibly talented footballer. He’s had to work unbelievably hard to reach this level, and from my very first conversation with him it was clear how grounded he is and how determined he is to become the best player he can be.
I have no doubt City fans will be thrilled to see him in action for us," Viana added. The signing of Ndiaye marks the seventh addition to Manchester City’s summer roster, reflecting the club’s strategy of blending established stars with emerging prospects.
By securing a player with a reputation for technical skill, speed, and a keen eye for goal, City aim to deepen their attacking options and maintain their dominance in both domestic and European competitions. Everton’s loan acquisition of Jack Grealish also carries strategic significance. Grealish, who struggled for consistent minutes at City, will now have the platform to showcase his abilities on a regular basis, potentially reigniting his career trajectory. The loan includes an option for Everton to evaluate a permanent move, depending on Grealish’s performances and the club’s financial position.
The rejected loan proposal for Joshua Zirkzee highlights the competitive nature of the transfer market, where clubs must balance financial prudence with squad depth. United’s decision suggests they either view Zirkzee as a longer‑term asset or anticipate a higher valuation in future negotiations. Overall, Manchester City’s transfer window activities demonstrate a clear intent to reinforce key areas of the squad while managing wage structures and future planning.
The combination of high‑profile signings like Enzo Fernández and promising talents such as Iliman Ndiaye positions the team to challenge for titles on all fronts in the upcoming season. Fans can stay updated on the latest transfer news and club developments by following Sky Sports’ Transfer Centre Live, available on mobile devices through the Sky Sports app.
For an optimal viewing experience, the app recommends using the Chrome browser for video content. In addition to the football updates, Sky Sports is running a promotional campaign offering a chance to win £1 million in the Super 6 competition, with free entry for participants.