Manchester City have agreed a deal in principle to sign forward Iliman Ndiaye from Everton for a fee that could reach £65 million. The 26-year-old is expected to undergo his medical on Tuesday morning, according to a report by The Athletic.
The agreement consists of an initial £60 million payment, with a further £5 million in potential add-ons. This move comes as Everton sit sixth in the Premier League table with four points from their opening two matches, a position that puts them just two points behind the current leaders, Manchester City. The Toffees have scored three goals and conceded one so far this season.
What does the Ndiaye deal involve?
Iliman Ndiaye's proposed transfer to the Etihad Stadium follows his decision to decline multiple new contract offers from Everton last season, despite having three years remaining on his existing deal. He joined the Merseyside club from Marseille in 2024 for a fee of £15 million. During his time at Goodison Park, Ndiaye scored 17 goals and provided four assists across 73 appearances. He started the first three matches of this campaign, recording an assist in the season opener against Crystal Palace.
City's interest was reported by The Athletic on Thursday, with the outlet noting Everton's previous keenness on a deal that would have seen Jack Grealish return to Hill Dickinson Stadium. Grealish spent last season on loan with Everton. The winger's fine form and impressive work rate at Everton are seen as assets he will bring to his new club.
How does this fit into the wider transfer window?
This significant move occurs within a complex web of Premier League transfer activity. Over the weekend, Tottenham and Everton had reached their own agreement in principle for Ndiaye. That deal was linked to a separate agreement for Richarlison to rejoin Everton from Spurs. Meanwhile, Tottenham have also made an enquiry about a potential loan move for Chelsea forward Mykhailo Mudryk.
Manchester City's pursuit of attacking options was further highlighted when, as The Athletic reported on Monday, Liverpool rejected a bid of up to £80 million from City for Cody Gakpo. The Netherlands international now appears set to stay at Anfield this summer. City have also sold forwards Savinho and Omar Marmoush during this window.
What is the current situation at Everton?
Everton begin September in a solid league position, having taken four points from a possible six. Their next challenge is a home match against Manchester United on September 6th. United currently sit tenth in the table. Manager Sean Dyche will be planning for that fixture without the sidelined Christian Nørgaard, whose absence is noted on the club's injuries page.
The sale of a key player like Ndiaye represents a major piece of business for the club. It provides substantial funds that could be reinvested as the transfer window draws to a close. Fans can track the team's progress and upcoming matches, including the Manchester United clash, on our dedicated fixtures page.
Where does this leave Everton's squad?
Losing a player of Ndiaye's caliber so late in the window presents a clear challenge for squad depth. His departure opens a significant role in the attacking line that the coaching staff must now address. The club's current squad list will need to be assessed for internal solutions, while the transfer market remains an option.
Everton's positive goal difference of +2 reflects a decent start, but maintaining that momentum will require adjustments following this high-profile exit. The immediate focus shifts to preparing for the visit of Manchester United at Goodison Park on September 6th.
