By Francis Onyach - Reporter
UK, August 30 ,2026 - Everton and Tottenham Hotspur have reached an agreement in principle that could see Iliman Ndiaye move to Spurs while Richarlison returns to Everton, in one of the most unexpected deals of the Premier League transfer window.
The latest development was reported by David Ornstein of The Athletic and subsequently by Fabrizio Romano. Importantly, the two transfers are understood to be separate deals rather than a formal player-for-player swap, with both moves still subject to personal terms and medical examinations.
Ndiaye, 26, joined Everton from Marseille in 2024 on a five-year contract and has established himself as an important attacking player on Merseyside. Reuters confirmed when he arrived that Everton had secured the Senegal international after his spell with Marseille, following his earlier emergence at Sheffield United.
His departure represents a significant change for Everton. Ndiaye had attracted interest from several clubs, including Manchester City and Arsenal, while Everton had previously indicated that they wanted to keep him. The club had reportedly been seeking a substantial fee for the attacker after he rejected several contract-extension proposals.
Tottenham, meanwhile, have been searching for additional attacking quality following a difficult start to the Premier League season. Manager Roberto De Zerbi has already overseen considerable squad changes, and Ndiaye would provide another versatile attacking option.
The move would also mark a remarkable return for Richarlison.
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The Brazilian spent four seasons at Everton before joining Tottenham in 2022 for a deal worth around £60 million. His time in north London has been disrupted by injuries and inconsistent form, and De Zerbi confirmed recently that Richarlison had asked to leave Tottenham.
A return to Everton could therefore offer the 29-year-old an opportunity to revive the form that made him a fan favourite at Goodison Park.
For now, however, neither transfer is completely finalised. Personal terms and medicals remain outstanding, meaning the extraordinary double move could still encounter complications.
If completed, it would be a fascinating exchange of attacking profiles: Tottenham acquiring a younger, dynamic Senegal international, while Everton potentially welcome back a proven Premier League goalscorer with strong emotional ties to the club.