City land Senegal winger in £65m deadline-day deal
Manchester City completed the signing of Senegal international Iliman Ndiaye from Everton on transfer deadline day for a fee that could reach £65m. The 26-year-old winger agreed a five-year contract at the Etihad Stadium. Ndiaye scored 21 goals in 74 appearances for Everton since joining in 2024.
The transfer structure sees Everton receive an initial £60m, with an additional £5m tied to performance-related add-ons. Ndiaye's move nearly collapsed earlier when Tottenham agreed terms with Everton on Friday, but that deal fell through after Richarlison could not agree personal terms with his former club, allowing City to step in.
Ndiaye's arrival coincides with City's record-breaking £125m agreement for Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez, a joint-British transfer record. The Senegal international becomes City's eighth summer signing, joining a list that includes Elliot Anderson, Geronimo Rulli, and Ayyoub Bouaddi. Since joining Everton from Marseille in 2024, Ndiaye contributed 21 goals across 74 appearances.
This signing may reshape the competitive balance at the top of the Premier League, potentially widening the gap between elite clubs and the rest. Everton fans could feel the loss of a key attacking player, while City supporters may see renewed title ambitions. The record-breaking Fernandez deal alongside this move could also accelerate inflation in transfer fees, affecting clubs at all financial levels. Younger players may view such moves as validation of career pathways, though the pressure of high fees on individual performance remains a consideration.