Manchester City's summer transfer window has yet to ignite as they prepare for life without Pep Guardiola at the helm
Jack Grealish embraces Iliman Ndiaye after the latter scored for Everton against Brighton
Jack Grealish embraces Iliman Ndiaye after the latter scored for Everton against Brighton(Image: Clive Mason/Getty Images)
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Manchester City's summer transfer window has yet to ignite thanks to two main factors. First, is the World Cup and second, is the small matter of confirming Pep Guardiola's successor.
In an ideal world, Enzo Maresca would have been appointed by now but talks have dragged on longer than expected. That being said, the move for the former Chelsea head coach is not expected to fall through.
When he eventually arrives and the World Cup is over, City will be working hard to get their business done. Unsurprisingly their focus so far has been on replacing Bernardo Silva. The former captain leaves a huge hole in the squad and the Blues are hoping to fill it with Nottingham Forest's Elliot Anderson.
However, the England international will not be the only addition this summer, especially if Savinho leaves. It is understood Tottenham have renewed their interest in the Brazilian and the winger is open to the move. Despite Guardiola leaving, Savinho will have seen little reason to stay at the Etihad Stadium.
He has struggled to break into the starting line-up, with injuries not helping him either. Plus, the likes of Jeremy Doku, Antoine Semenyo, Rayan Cherki and Phil Foden have all been preferred to him at one stage or another. Moving to Spurs would at least guarantee him a starting spot.
Were Savinho to leave, City would still need to replace him. Like Savinho, Jack Grealish looks to see his future elsewhere. He has just one year left on his contract and while Guardiola leaving gives the 30-year-old a shot at returning to City, it seems the Blues have moved on from him.
Nevertheless, Grealish has at least spotted a player who could fill both his and Savinho's boots. Iliman Ndiaye enjoyed a good campaign with Grealish's loanee club Everton this season.
Iliman Ndiaye
Everton forward Iliman Ndiaye
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The 26-year-old had a good first half to the campaign, albeit the break for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) slowed his momentum in 2026. And Grealish was clear about how highly he rates the winger when discussing him in December.
"Ndiaye is the most skilful player in the Premier League. In terms of pure skill, yeah," the former Aston Villa man said. "I'm not sitting here saying, oh yeah, he could be the best, but skilful. [Bukayo] Saka, for example, is so good, one of the best wingers in the world. But he's not skilful.
"Doku, for example, you wouldn't put him in, I don't know, a small five-a-side pitch. But Ndiaye wouldn't even need that space at all.
"No matter where he is. He's just in and out, whereas Doku might need a bit of space for his pace and stuff. Saka as well."
Ndiaye would add something different to the City attack, they do not already have. The Senegal international wants to carry the ball forward and his ability to flourish in tight spaces could be perfect for the Blues.
City have been linked with Ndiaye recently, but they are not alone in their interest. It is understood Manchester United are keeping a close eye on the forward too and we could be left with another situation where City and United are battling for the same player.
Not every player City sign will be an automatic starter. The arrival of Semenyo in January means Ndiaye may have to be patient for an opportunity.
But as Grealish pointed out, Ndiaye can offer City something different to what they already have. So, at the right price, he is well worth a punt.
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