Manchester City have officially announced the acquisition of Senegalese winger Iliman Ndiaye for a reported total fee of £65 million. The financial structure of the transfer consists of a guaranteed £60 million payment to his former club, with an additional £5 million available through performance‑related bonuses.
Ndiaye, who was also linked with a move to Tottenham Hotspur, has committed his future to the Etihad Stadium by signing a five‑year contract that will keep him at the club until the summer of 2029. In a parallel transaction, Manchester City have facilitated the departure of England international Jack Grealish, sending him back to his former side Everton on a season‑long loan. The loan arrangement covers the final year remaining on Grealish’s contract with City, effectively allowing him to gain regular playing time while the club reshapes its attacking options.
Everton’s interest in Grealish was confirmed by multiple sources, and the loan is expected to include a modest fee and a commitment to cover his wages for the duration of the spell. Meanwhile, a separate negotiation involving United’s forward Joshua Zirkzee fell through. Everton reportedly offered a total package of around £10 million, which would have encompassed Zirkzee’s salary for the season as well as a loan fee, but Manchester United declined the proposal, leaving the Dutch striker to remain at Old Trafford. Ndiaye’s arrival at City arrives on the heels of Liverpool’s decision to turn down an £80 million bid from Manchester City for Dutch striker Cody Gakpo.
According to Sky Sports News, Liverpool’s reluctance stemmed from concerns about securing a suitable replacement for Gakpo should the transfer have gone through. The refusal underscores the competitive nature of the Premier League transfer market, where clubs are constantly balancing immediate needs against long‑term strategic planning. The summer window has been a bustling period for Manchester City’s recruitment department.
In addition to securing Ndiaye, the club finalized a joint‑British record transfer for Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernández on the final day of the window. The club also allowed forwards Savio and Omar Marmoush to move to Tottenham earlier in the month, thereby freeing up space on the wings and giving manager Pep Guardiola additional flexibility in his squad selection. During City’s recent Premier League victory over Crystal Palace, the coaching staff opted not to name a traditional winger on the bench.
Instead, they started Phil Foden—normally a central midfielder—in a wide role, a decision that sparked discussion among fans and pundits alike. Enzo Maresca, the club’s director of football, later clarified that Foden’s deployment was a tactical experiment rather than a permanent shift, emphasizing the squad’s depth and versatility.
Speaking after his medical and contract signing, Ndiaye expressed the significance of the move for his personal and professional journey. "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 trophies as I grew up.
To be able to write my own chapter in such a storied club is a once‑in‑a‑lifetime chance, and I’m determined to seize it with both hands. It hasn’t always been easy, but I’ve always believed I could play for a team that competes for the biggest prizes, and now I’m here.
It feels amazing. I love to play 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." City’s director of football, Hugo Viana, also praised the new signing, noting Ndiaye’s talent 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 transfer signals Manchester City’s continued commitment to strengthening their attacking options ahead of a demanding season that includes domestic league fixtures, domestic cup competitions, and a deep run in the UEFA Champions League. By adding a dynamic winger like Ndiaye, Guardiola gains a player capable of stretching defenses, delivering incisive passes, and contributing goals from wide areas.
The five‑year contract also reflects the club’s long‑term vision, giving Ndiaye ample time to develop under the guidance of some of the world’s most respected coaches. In addition to the on‑field implications, the deal highlights the financial muscle that City continues to wield in the transfer market. The £65 million outlay, combined with the record‑breaking fee for Enzo Fernández, underscores the club’s willingness to invest heavily in talent that aligns with their playing philosophy. This approach contrasts with Liverpool’s more cautious stance regarding Gakpo, illustrating differing strategic priorities among England’s elite clubs.
As the summer transfer window draws to a close, fans of both Manchester City and Everton will be closely watching how these moves influence their respective squads. City supporters can look forward to seeing Ndiaye integrate into a side that already boasts a wealth of attacking talent, while Everton fans will hope that Grealish’s return adds creativity and experience to their campaign. The upcoming season promises to be an exciting chapter for both clubs, with new faces and fresh narratives shaping the storylines across the Premier League.
For those following the latest transfer developments, Sky Sports offers a live Transfer Centre on its mobile app, providing real‑time updates and analysis. The platform recommends using the Chrome browser for optimal video playback, ensuring fans can stay informed about every twist and turn in the ever‑evolving world of football transfers.
In summary, Manchester City’s £65 million signing of Iliman Ndiaye, the loan return of Jack Grealish to Everton, and the surrounding negotiations involving Joshua Zirkzee and Cody Gakpo illustrate the dynamic and high‑stakes nature of the Premier League transfer market. Both clubs have made strategic moves aimed at bolstering their squads for the challenges ahead, and the football community will be watching closely to see how these decisions play out on the pitch.