Full Breakdown
Manchester City Pursue Everton Winger Iliman Ndiaye as Jack Grealish’s Future Hangs in the Balance
8/27/2026, 8:08:18 PM
Core Event
Manchester City have identified Senegal international Iliman Ndiaye as a priority signing to replace the departing wingers Savio and Omar Marmoush. Everton, who hold Ndiaye under contract until June 2029, have indicated a valuation of roughly £80 million and have stated the player is not for sale. Simultaneously, the club’s 30-year-old winger Jack Grealish remains on the transfer market, with Sunderland, Everton and Aston Villa all reported to be in advanced discussions.
Background and Context
City’s summer of change has seen the sale of Savio to Tottenham Hotspur for up to £85 million and the loan of Marmoush to the same club with an obligation to purchase. The club has already secured Palmeiras winger Allan Elias for €37.5 million (£34 million) and is monitoring Liverpool’s interest in Cody Gakpo. Manager Enzo Maresca has publicly expressed a desire to add “one or two captains” before the transfer window closes, naming potential targets such as Enzo Fernández.
Everton’s recent activity includes the signing of left-wingers Tyrique George and Brennan Johnson, yet manager David Moyes has signaled a need for additional attacking options. Grealish spent the 2025-26 season on loan at Everton, contributing two goals and six assists before a stress-fracture ended his campaign.
Data & Statistics
- Iliman Ndiaye: 26 years old, 44 caps for Senegal, 15 Premier League goals across two seasons with Everton.
- Jack Grealish: 30 years old, 22 appearances for Everton on loan last season (2 goals, 6 assists).
- Everton’s asking price for Ndiaye: reported around £80 million.
- City’s recent spending: approximately £220 million on midfielders Elliot Anderson and Ayyoub Bouaddi, rising to over £250 million with the Allan Elias deal; total outlay could approach £350 million after Marmoush’s sale.
Official Statements & Responses
Everton chief executive Angus Kinnear confirmed on BBC Radio Merseyside that the club has remained in contact with Grealish.
The Athletic reported that Sunderland have submitted a loan proposal for Grealish, which would see City cover part of his £300,000-per-week salary and include an option to make the move permanent when his contract expires.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on the exact fee Everton would accept for Ndiaye. No confirmed bid has been disclosed by either club.
Reports also vary on the number of clubs actively pursuing Grealish. The Guardian mentions Sunderland and Everton, whereas Sportbible adds Aston Villa as a third interested party.
What’s Next
- August 14 deadline – Chelsea’s bid window for Enzo Fernández closed without an offer, leaving City free to focus on other targets.
- August 26 deadline – Sunderland’s loan offer for Grealish was reported, with salary-sharing terms and a future purchase option.
- September 1 deadline – The transfer window closes, and Grealish’s decision is expected within the next few days, according to multiple reports.
City’s ability to secure Ndiaye before the deadline will hinge on Everton’s willingness to negotiate a fee and the club’s capacity to balance its squad after the recent winger departures. Grealish’s ultimate destination remains uncertain, with several Premier League clubs positioned to offer regular playing time.
