Manchester City signed Iliman Ndiaye from Everton on deadline day, September 1, 2026, wrapping up a five-year contract with the 26-year-old Senegalese international winger for a fee that Sky Sports reports as £65m (£60m guaranteed plus £5m in add-ons). L’Equipe and Footmercato placed the figure closer to 75 million euros. Either way, it is a substantial outlay and makes Ndiaye City’s seventh signing of the summer window.
The move came together quickly after Liverpool rejected an £80m City bid for Cody Gakpo earlier in the week, per Sky Sports. Tottenham had also been pursuing Ndiaye before City accelerated their interest and closed the deal. As part of the broader arrangement, Jack Grealish heads to Everton on a season-long loan covering the final year of his City contract.
How the deal came together
City’s pivot to Ndiaye after the Gakpo rejection was swift. Tottenham were in the picture for the winger, but per Sky Sports, City moved quickly enough to leave Spurs without a deal. The transfer was completed on deadline day and confirmed by multiple outlets including Sky Sports and BBC Sport late on the night of September 1.
Everton originally signed Ndiaye from Marseille for £20m following his 2023-24 season at the French club. Marseille retained a 10 percent sell-on clause on any profit from that sale, and L’Equipe reports they will receive approximately 5 million euros from this transaction. For Everton, the turnaround represents a significant return on a two-year investment.
What Ndiaye brings to City
Ndiaye arrives with 43 caps and five international goals for Senegal, along with two full seasons of Premier League experience at Everton after his time in Ligue 1 with Marseille. Manchester City’s official statement described him as arriving at the Etihad ‘with significant Premier League experience after two years at Everton.’
City’s director of football Hugo Viana was direct about what stood out in their early conversations. ‘Iliman is a very talented footballer,’ Viana said via Sky Sports. ‘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. I’ve no doubt City fans will get a thrill seeing him in action for us.’
Ndiaye on joining City
The winger made clear the move carries personal weight. ‘I’ve worked my whole life for an opportunity like this,’ he told Sky Sports. ‘City are one of the best clubs in the world and I’ve seen them win everything as I’ve grown 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’s not always been easy in my career, but I always had the belief that I could play for a team challenging for the biggest prizes, and now I’m here.’
He also pointed to City’s style as a reason the move felt right. ‘I love to play with the ball on the floor in an attacking team that wants to score as many goals as possible,’ Ndiaye said. ‘That’s why I know this is the perfect fit.’ City allowed both Savio and Omar Marmoush to leave for Tottenham earlier in the summer, and Ndiaye’s arrival suggests the club has settled on him as the primary wide attacking option to fill that void.
FAQ
How much did Manchester City pay for Iliman Ndiaye?
Sky Sports reports the fee as £65m, made up of a £60m guaranteed payment plus £5m in performance-related bonuses. L’Equipe and Footmercato reported the figure as approximately 75 million euros.
How long is Iliman Ndiaye’s contract at Manchester City?
Ndiaye signed a five-year contract with Manchester City, confirmed on deadline day, September 1, 2026.
How old is Iliman Ndiaye and what position does he play?
Ndiaye is 26 years old and plays as a winger. He has earned 43 caps for the Senegal national team, scoring five international goals.
Everton
Manchester City
Iliman Ndiaye