Iliman Ndiaye has outlined why he rejected a move to Tottenham in favour of a deadline day switch to Manchester City.
Iliman Ndiaye snubbed Tottenham to join Manchester City from Everton on deadline day
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Ndiaye’s summer looked, for a time, as though it would end with a move to north London, only for a dramatic late twist to see him land at Manchester City instead.
The forward completed a £65 million deadline day move from Everton and wasted little time in making his debut, thrown straight into the starting XI for Saturday’s 1-0 Premier League win over Coventry City.
It was a switch that seemed destined to take a different path until the last minute. Spurs had agreed a deal with Everton for the 26-year-old in the final week of the window but were ultimately unable to push the move through after failing to offload Richarlison.
This opened the door for City, who had reportedly just learned that they would not be able to sign Cody Gakpo from Liverpool, to swoop. For Manchester City, Ndiaye’s arrival was an essential piece of late business.
Manchester City have completed the signing of Iliman Ndiaye from Everton in a package worth £65 million on deadline day.cityxtra.co.ukMan City Confirm £65M Signing of Iliman Ndiaye From Everton
Manchester City have completed the signing of Iliman Ndiaye from Everton in a package worth £65 million on deadline day.
Enzo Maresca’s side had seen their forward department thinned by the departures of Savinho and Omar Marmoush, and moved to bolster their options the arrival of the Senegal international and Brazillian winger Allan Elias. They now find themselves competing for minutes in one of the most talent-laden squads in world football.
When City Came Through, I Was Buzzing - Ndiaye
Reflecting on the saga for the first time, Ndiaye insisted he never doubted where he would end up, crediting a mixture of patience and faith for how the situation played out.
“There was no stress or panicking,” said Ndiaye, in conversation with BBC Sport. “I always say whatever comes, comes. God decides your future - it is already written. I was just being patient and when City came through I was buzzing. It was always going to be City.”
For the forward, the lure of UEFA Champions League football at one of the game’s heavyweights proved impossible to resist.
Ndiaye added: “I wanted Champions League and playing at one of the best teams in the world. I am not saying Tottenham is not, but when Manchester City comes through you don’t say no. It has been a good week for me and topped off with a win [vs Coventry].”
Manchester City completed the signing of Iliman Ndiaye from Everton for £65 million on deadline day.cityxtra.co.ukManchester City completed the signing of Iliman Ndiaye from Everton for £65 million on deadline day.
Joining Man City is an Opportunity I've Worked for My Whole Life, Says Iliman Ndiaye in First Interview
Leaving Everton and a Journey to the Top
The move brought the curtain down on a well-received spell at Everton, where Ndiaye scored 17 goals across two seasons and became a firm fans’ favourite despite two fairly indifferent seasons for the club as a whole. He admitted the decision to leave Merseyside was not taken lightly.
“It was difficult to leave Everton. I created a great connection with the fans and the players there, but we have to move on sometimes and it’s how football is,” the winger said.
“When I was speaking with my wife, I was telling her that if I had to leave Everton it would be somewhere where I know I would be playing Champions League.”
There is a certain poetry to his arrival at the Etihad Stadium, too. Ndiaye began his professional career in non-league with Boreham Wood before a loan spell at Hyde United - just seven miles from the Etihad Stadium - seven years ago, and has since climbed through Sheffield United and Marseille before his move to Everton in 2024.
Manchester City winger Iliman Ndiaye revealed exactly why he was so keen on moving to the Etihad Stadium from Everton on deadline day.cityxtra.co.ukI Didn't Want to Be at Home Just Watching Games, Says Ndiaye on Man City Transfer
Manchester City winger Iliman Ndiaye revealed exactly why he was so keen on moving to the Etihad Stadium from Everton on deadline day.
“I don’t really look back. I just look to the future and work hard. I never stop,” Ndiaye said. “This is a big step to join Manchester City. It is one of the biggest clubs in the world. There are world-class players, a world-class stadium and the fans are brilliant. This is where I think I belong.”
The forward attempted eight dribbles against Coventry last week - more than any other player on the pitch - offering an early glimpse of the direct threat Manchester City hope he can provide throughout what promises to be a demanding campaign on multiple fronts.