Iliman Ndiaye Chooses Manchester City Over Tottenham, Debuts in Victory

Senegalese winger Iliman Ndiaye completed a deadline-day move from Everton to Manchester City, joining the Premier League champions on a transfer reported at either £60 million (BBC, Independent, Sporting Tribune) or £65 million (ESPN, Manchester Evening News). The 26-year-old was thrust straight into the starting XI for City’s 1-0 league win over Coventry, a match in which Erling Haaland scored the only goal. Ndiaye’s debut was praised for his work rate on both ends of the pitch, though he did not create a clear scoring chance.

Why I chose Man City over Tottenham — Ndiaye

Ndiaye’s rise began in non-league football, featuring for Hyde United while on loan from Sheffield United before moving to Marseille and then joining Everton for £15 million in 2024. Over two seasons at Everton he became a fan favourite, scoring 17 goals and establishing himself as a key attacking outlet despite the club’s lower-table finishes.

Why I chose Man City over Tottenham — Ndiaye BBC NewsLiverpool EchoIliman Ndiaye explains why he turned down Tottenham for Man City BBC NewsManchester Evening NewsESPNThe signs were there from a Manchester City winger in his debut

• Transfer fee: reported as £60 million by the BBC and Independent; reported as £65 million by ESPN and Manchester Evening News.

Liverpool Echo

• Age: 26 years.

BBC News

• Everton record: 17 goals in two Premier League seasons.

Why I chose Man City over Tottenham — Ndiaye

• Debut match result: Manchester City 1 – 0 Coventry (Haaland 26th-minute header).

ESPN

Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca noted that Ndiaye must adapt his movement and positioning to the club’s possession-dominant style, emphasizing the need to learn “the City way” after only two training sessions with the squad. Maresca also highlighted Ndiaye’s defensive contributions, praising his willingness to track back and aid the team. The club’s official announcement framed the signing as part of a broader strategy to maintain competitiveness across domestic and Champions League campaigns.

The signs were there from a Manchester City winger in his debut

Sources disagree on the exact transfer fee: the BBC, Independent, and Sporting Tribune each cite a £60 million figure, while ESPN and Manchester Evening News each cite £65 million. No source provides a definitive breakdown of add-ons or performance clauses, leaving the precise financial terms unresolved.

Why I chose Man City over Tottenham — Ndiaye

• “There was no stress or panicking,” — Iliman Ndiaye, of Manchester City (Photo by James Gill - ) Iliman Ndiaye

BBC News

• “There was no stress or no panicking,” — Iliman Ndiaye, of Manchester City (Photo by James Gill - ) Iliman Ndiaye

ESPN

• “For me it was always going to be City. I wanted Champions League and playing at one of the best teams in the world. I'm not saying Tottenham is not but when Manchester City comes through you don't say no. It's been a good week for me and topped off with a win today.” — Iliman Ndiaye, of Manchester City (Photo by James Gill - ) Iliman Ndiaye

Manchester Evening News

• “I think we're doing it quite well, we just wait for the opening and be patient on the ball. We have great players who can find these pockets and the last pass so just be patient as we've done and it will work out...” — Iliman Ndiaye, of Manchester City (Photo by James Gill - ) Iliman Ndiaye

ESPN