Full Breakdown
Tottenham Nears Deal for Iliman Ndiaye as Richarlison Returns to Everton
8/30/2026, 11:02:18 AM
Transfer Deal Overview
Tottenham Hotspur have reached an agreement in principle to sign Senegal international Iliman Ndiaye from Everton, while Brazilian forward Richarlison is set to re-join the Merseyside club. Sources at both clubs, speaking anonymously, say the two transactions are unrelated. The Athletic reported that Everton were under pressure to retain Ndiaye, who declined several new-contract offers despite having three years remaining on his deal.
Background and Recent Activity
Everton acquired Ndiaye from Marseille in 2024 for a reported £15 million (€17.7 million, $19 million). Earlier this summer, Manchester City expressed interest in the winger, and Tottenham had also pursued Liverpool striker Cody Gakpo before he chose City. Richarlison moved from Everton to Tottenham in the summer of 2022 in a deal worth up to £60 million; he has been a regular starter for Spurs but was omitted from the matchday squad after requesting a transfer in the final days of the window.
Impact on Tottenham’s Squad
If completed, Ndiaye would become Tottenham’s ninth signing of a busy summer and provide a proven option on the left flank in Roberto De Zerbi’s 4-2-3-1 system. He would join recent arrivals Omar Marmoush and Savio Moussa, expanding a forward line that also includes Dominic Solanke, Mohammed Kudus and Mathys Tel. The club’s early-season loss to Brentford highlighted a need for additional attacking depth, and Ndiaye’s pace and goal-scoring record are expected to address that shortfall.
Official Statements & Responses
Roberto De Zerbi explained that Richarlison, along with Kevin Danso and Pape Matar Sarr, was left out of the squad after the Brazilian formally asked to leave during the closing days of the transfer window. De Zerbi reiterated that the striker’s desire to return to Everton had been clear and that the club respected his decision.
Data & Statistics
- Ndiaye: 17 goals and four assists in 73 appearances for Everton; 15 goals in 67 top-flight matches overall.
- Richarlison: 32 Premier League goals in 134 appearances for Tottenham; 53 goals in 152 games for Everton.
- Transfer fees: £15 million for Ndiaye’s move to Everton (2024); up to £60 million for Richarlison’s 2022 transfer to Tottenham.
- Tottenham’s recent signings this summer total nine, including Mathys Tel (seven goals in 61 appearances) and other forward-line additions.
