A move to Manchester City was impossible to turn down, says Ndiaye

Iliman Ndiaye said he could not turn down Manchester City when the Premier League club made its late approach for him. The chance to play Champions League football proved decisive after Tottenham’s proposed transfer from Everton collapsed.

Tottenham had agreed a deal with Everton, but the move fell through when the London club could not sell Richarlison. City then intervened on transfer deadline day with a £60 million offer for the 26-year-old Senegal international.

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There was no stress or panicking. I always say whatever comes, comes. God decides your future, it is already written.

“There was no stress or panicking,” Ndiaye said. “I always say whatever comes, comes. God decides your future, it is already written.” He added that he was delighted when City came through and that “when Manchester City comes through you don’t say no.”

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When Manchester City comes through you don’t say no.

Ndiaye received an immediate starting role and helped City secure a 1-0 Premier League win over Coventry. He attempted eight dribbles on his debut, more than any other player in the match.

Leaving Everton still proved difficult. Ndiaye said he had built a strong relationship with the club’s fans and players during two seasons there, in which he scored 17 goals after joining from Marseille for £15 million in 2024. But he said he now wanted to focus on the next stage of a career that began in non-league football with Boreham Wood and Hyde United, before spells at Sheffield United and Marseille.

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It was difficult to leave Everton. I created a great connection with the fans and the players there, but we have to move on sometimes and it’s how football is.

“I just look at the next step and this is a big step to join Manchester City,” Ndiaye said. “This is where I think I belong. I have worked hard to get to this point.”

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This is where I think I belong. I have worked hard to get to this point.