Deadline dash: Ndiaye picks City over Spurs
Iliman Ndiaye turned down Tottenham to join Manchester City on deadline day, completing a £65 million move from Everton. The forward was thrown straight into the starting XI for Saturday's 1-0 Premier League win over Coventry City.
Spurs had agreed a deal with Everton for the 26-year-old in the final week of the window, but failed to push it through after being unable to offload Richarlison. City, who had reportedly just learned they would not be able to sign Cody Gakpo from Liverpool, swooped.
"When Manchester City come through, you don't say no!"
Ndiaye's arrival addresses a thinning forward department at the Etihad. Enzo Maresca's side had seen Savinho and Omar Marmoush depart, leaving a gap that the Senegal international and Brazilian winger Allan Elias now fill.
The 26-year-old scored 17 goals across two seasons at Everton, having climbed through Sheffield United and Marseille before his move to Goodison Park in 2024. His career began in non-league with Boreham Wood, and he had a loan spell at Hyde United — just seven miles from the Etihad — seven years ago.
Against Coventry, Ndiaye attempted eight dribbles, more than any other player on the pitch. A lively start, then, though the finishing touch will be the measure.
Spurs, left to rue a move that slipped away, will wonder what might have been. City, for their part, have a new forward who already looks at home.