Almost seven years to the day since Sheffield United plucked him out of non-league football at Boreham Wood, Iliman Ndiaye became a Manchester City player for a £65m fee. Whichever way you look at it, it has been a remarkable rise.
At many points in the last few years Unitedites would be forgiven for looking back and wondering: ‘What if?’ Ndiaye, after all, was close to signing a new deal and staying at United after they were promoted to the Premier League in 2023.
But he had a late change of heart and United were backed into a corner somewhat before accepting a big-money offer from his boyhood club Marseille. He had a season in France before returning to England, lighting up the Premier League last term with Everton.
For the latest Blades news straight to your inbox, sign up for The Star’s free Sheffield United newsletter
The Star has a dedicated Sheffield United WhatsApp Channel to bring you the latest news, analysis and team & injury updates direct to your phone. Simply click here to join
Back in 2023 he and Erling Haaland were the cover stars of the programme for United’s FA Cup semi-final against City at Wembley, and now they are teammates. The Norwegian superstar was one of the players seen welcoming Ndiaye to City on social media this week.
At United there may have been cause for celebration as well. It’s understood that the Blades may be due a financial boost from Ndiaye’s sale, although the exact amounts are, and probably will remain, unknown.
That’s because the deal United negotiated with Marseille included a percentage of the profit they made on Ndiaye in the future. That was effectively rendered meaningless when he was sold to Everton for roughly the same price they bought him 12 months earlier.
But such agreements also tend to include provisions for the future and Marseille’s own sell-on clause, entitling them to a share of the money City have paid Everton, tips them into profit on the 26-year-old.
That should, depending on the official sums and figures of the deal, also mean a windfall for the Blades. The exact amount is not clear but at a time of belt-tightening at Bramall Lane, anything will be a bonus.
"I've worked my whole life for an opportunity like this," said Ndiaye, who was linked with Saudi club Al-Hilal in the window and could have moved to Tottenham Hotspur before City made their move.
"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."
Sheffield United in line for welcome financial boost after Iliman Ndiaye's £65m Manchester City transfer
Sheffield United in line for welcome financial boost after Iliman Ndiaye's £65m Manchester City transfer