Iliman Ndiaye completes £60m Manchester City move and makes winning debut

Manchester City signed Iliman Ndiaye from Everton for £60 million on transfer deadline day, and the winger immediately entered the starting lineup for his new club. BBC Sport reported that the 26-year-old made his City debut in a 1-0 Premier League victory over Coventry at the weekend.

Watch the highlights: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l3Qcm8BaW14

The transfer followed a late change in direction during the final week of the window. According to the BBC, Tottenham had agreed a deal with Everton for Ndiaye but could not complete the move after failing to sell Richarlison. Manchester City then moved for the Senegal international, whose stated priority was to return to Champions League football.

Ndiaye was given an immediate role by City rather than being eased in from the bench. The BBC reported that he attempted eight dribbles against Coventry, the highest total by any player in the match. His first appearance therefore combined a starting assignment with a winning result for his new team.

The winger leaves Everton after two seasons in which the club finished in the bottom half of the Premier League. He scored 17 goals during that spell and developed a strong relationship with the club's supporters. Ndiaye acknowledged that leaving Everton was difficult, while explaining that the chance to play Champions League football shaped his decision.

Everton had signed Ndiaye from Marseille for £15 million in 2024. Before his season in France, he played Championship football for Sheffield United. His route into the professional game also included non-league Boreham Wood and a period with Hyde United, whose ground is located roughly seven miles from Manchester City's Etihad Stadium.

Ndiaye described the City move as a major next step in a career built through several levels of the game. He said he believed he belonged at a club competing at that level and highlighted the quality of City's players, stadium and support. For City, the deadline-day signing has already moved from arrival to competitive action, with Ndiaye completing his first league start in a victory.