Manchester City sporting director Hugo Viana has discussed what prompted moves for Iliman Ndiaye and Allan Elias, highlighting Ndiaye’s versatility alongside a long-term development pathway for the Brazilian.
Iliman Ndiaye has bolstered Manchester City's frontline this summer.
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With just days left of the summer transfer window, Manchester City were still yet to make a senior attacking signing. Much has been made of the seismic midfield overhaul that saw the arrival of three players, each upwards of £85 million, but the forward line remained untouched. That all changed in the closing 48 hours of the window.
Reinforcements on the flanks became a priority thanks to outgoings, with Enzo Maresca needing fresh options following the departures of Omar Marmoush and Savinho.
City sought attacking depth that offered both tactical discipline and individual flair, ultimately wrapping up agreements for Everton standout Iliman Ndiaye and Palmeiras youngster Allan.
Reflecting on those late moves, Viana broke down the individual attributes that convinced City to sign both attackers.
Viana: Ndiaye Boasts the Right Mentality and Quality
Ndiaye had already demonstrated his capabilities at Premier League level during his time with Everton, making his presence felt right away when he was introduced for the second half of the recent Manchester derby triumph.
In conversation with official club media, Viana highlighted the forward's well-rounded skillset, noting his comfort across various frontline positions.
“[He is] very versatile; he can play left, right, No.10, maybe false-nine in some games,” Viana said of Ndiaye. “He loves to face one-against-one. In terms of technical characteristics, he's a Man City player, for sure, that level. And his work ethic and mentality is there also.”
Manchester City sporting director Hugo Viana has lifted the lid on the triple departure of Rodri, Bernardo Silva and John Stones this summer, which threatened to damage Enzo Maresca’s first season as manager.cityxtra.co.ukMan City Sporting Director Hugo Viana Lifts Lid on Rodri, Bernardo Silva and John Stones Exits
Manchester City sporting director Hugo Viana has lifted the lid on the triple departure of Rodri, Bernardo Silva and John Stones this summer, which threatened to damage Enzo Maresca’s first season as manager.
The Portuguese executive noted how Ndiaye’s prior form made him an obvious candidate to step right into the City team and offer quality right away
“He showed us in the second-half of the United game, also Everton's last season, he was really, really important, also the beginning of this season,” Viana added. “He's a player we all believe can be really important for the next years, in three or four positions."
Allan Signed After Two-Year Monitoring Mission
While Ndiaye represents an established Premier League asset, acquiring Allan was the result of an extended scouting operation in South America. Palmeiras coach Abel Ferreira publicly highlighted his valuation of the 22-year-old, yet City completed a swoop for a player watched extensively over a two-year window.
Viana acknowledged that the winger was singled out as a unique profile well before any formal bids went in.
“A very interesting topic because we were looking for a different type of winger,” Viana said. “We knew that Allan could be that. We were following him for the last year and a half, two years, and he had a really interesting pathway in Brazil.”
Allan faces the challenge of swapping domestic football in Brazil for the physical rigours of the English game. Rather than piling immediate pressure on the newcomer, Viana suggested that City will grant him ample space to find his feet.
“He's young, needs to adapt, and we're going to give him time,” Viana added. “He'll need more time because coming from Brazil to the Premier League is a big step, but we also believe he will be important. He can play left, right, in the middle, but we have to understand maybe it will take a little more time for him to adapt.
“But again, we have the right people and we're going to give him time, and we're confident he'll be patient and will work very hard to be an important player."
With Ndiaye providing instant attacking support and Allan arriving as an exciting prospect under Maresca, City enter the season with dynamic new solutions out wide.