Manchester City have announced the signing of Senegal international Iliman Ndiaye on a five-year contract from Everton, completing the 26-year-old forward’s move to the Etihad Stadium on transfer deadline day.
The Premier League giants confirmed the deal in a statement on Tuesday evening, welcoming Ndiaye as the latest addition to their reshaped squad ahead of the 2026/27 campaign under Enzo Maresca.
The Senegalese international arrives at City with considerable Premier League experience, having spent the past two seasons with Everton. His performances for the Toffees have further enhanced his reputation as one of the league’s most entertaining and unpredictable attacking players.
Before joining Everton, the Senegalese forward played for Marseille and Sheffield United, where he emerged as one of the standout performers during the Blades’ successful 2022/23 Championship promotion campaign.
Ndiaye was named Sheffield United’s Player of the Year that season after playing a key role in their return to the Premier League. His displays earned him a move back to boyhood club Marseille before he returned to England with Everton just 12 months later.
The France-born attacker has also established himself as an important member of the Senegal national team, earning 44 caps and representing the country at both the 2022 and 2026 FIFA World Cups.
Ndiaye Eager To Make An Impact At City
Capable of operating on either wing or through the middle, Ndiaye offers City versatility in attack. His two-footed ability, close control, dribbling and creativity have made him a difficult player for defenders to contain.
Speaking after completing his move, Ndiaye expressed his excitement at joining one of the world’s leading clubs and said he was ready to contribute to City’s pursuit of major trophies.
“I’ve worked my whole life for an opportunity like this. 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.”
Iliman Ndiaye
The Senegal international added that City’s attacking style was one of the major reasons behind his decision to make the move. “I love to play with the ball on the floor in an attacking team that wants to score as many goals as possible. That’s why I know this is the perfect fit,” he said. “City fans can rest assured that I will give my all to bring more success to this incredible club.”
City back Ndiaye to reach another level
Manchester City Director of Football Hugo Viana also welcomed the arrival of Ndiaye, praising the forward’s determination and development throughout his career.
“Iliman is a very talented footballer. He’s had to work incredibly hard to reach this level and in my first conversation with him it was immediately obvious how grounded he is and the determination he has to be the best player he can be.”
Hugo Viana, Manchester City Director of Football
Viana believes Ndiaye can continue improving under the City coaching staff and develop into a top-class Premier League player.
“I’ve no doubt City fans will get a thrill seeing him in action for us,” he added. “We know this Club develops players. We make a commitment to every single player we sign that we will make them better footballers.”
Ndiaye’s journey to the top has been far from straightforward. After moving from France to England as a teenager and failing to secure a contract with several major clubs, he joined non-League Boreham Wood before attracting attention through the Rising Ballers YouTube channel.
His performances eventually caught the eye of Sheffield United, giving him the opportunity to establish himself in professional football.
Now, after spells with Marseille and Everton, Ndiaye has secured another major career step by joining Manchester City.
The club are also expected to complete the signing of Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez after reportedly agreeing a British transfer-record fee for the Argentina international, potentially making deadline day even more significant for City.
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