Manchester City have agreed a £60 million plus £5 million deal with Everton for Iliman Ndiaye, completing a dramatic late move for the Senegal international.
Softfootball understands that City moved this evening after Liverpool informed them that Cody Gakpo was not for sale, forcing Pep Guardiola’s side to turn their attention elsewhere.
Ndiaye’s interest was exclusively revealed by Softfootball last week, with the 26-year-old previously waiting to formalise a proposed move to Tottenham because his preference was to join Manchester City.
A club-to-club agreement is now in place, with the total package worth £65 million and the green light given for Ndiaye to undergo his medical tests.
Personal terms have also been agreed, meaning the transfer is now moving rapidly towards completion.
Softfootball reported two days ago that Ndiaye had accepted Tottenham’s contract proposal and given the green light to join Roberto De Zerbi’s project in North London.
That move has now been overtaken by City’s late intervention, with Ndiaye’s preference for a switch to the Etihad ultimately proving decisive.
Ndiaye joined Everton from Marseille in 2024 and has made 73 appearances, scoring 17 goals for the Toffees. His versatility and ability to operate across the forward line have made him an attractive option.
Tottenham had viewed the Senegalese forward as an important attacking addition, while Al-Hilal had also previously shown interest.
For Ndiaye, a move to Tottenham would have represented a new challenge after two seasons at Everton and an opportunity to work under De Zerbi at a club undergoing significant attacking changes.
However, City’s move has changed everything. Agreement is done, personal terms are in place and the medical is now the next step.
