By Francis Onyach - Reporter
UK, August 31, 2026 - Manchester City have reached an agreement with Everton to sign Iliman Ndiaye, in a dramatic late twist to one of the Premier League's most closely followed transfer sagas.
The Senegal international is set to join Enzo Maresca's side in a deal worth a reported £65 million package, with club-to-club terms now agreed and the green light given for the player to undergo his medical.
The move represents a remarkable turnaround. Ndiaye had appeared increasingly likely to join Tottenham Hotspur, with Spurs and Everton reaching an agreement for a swap deal involving Brazilian striker Richarlison. Fabrizio Romano reported on Sunday that the two clubs had reached an agreement, with Ndiaye giving his approval to Tottenham's project.
However, the situation changed dramatically as Manchester City intensified their pursuit.
City had already identified Ndiaye as a potential attacking addition after their pursuit of other targets became complicated. Romano had previously reported that Manchester City suggested a deal involving Ndiaye to Everton, while the player had rejected Saudi approaches because of his desire to remain in the Premier League.
Ndiaye's performances for Everton have made him an attractive proposition for Maresca. Since joining from Marseille, the 26-year-old has established himself as one of Everton's most important attacking players, registering 17 goals in 74 appearances for the club.
His versatility is another major attraction. Ndiaye can operate from the wing, play centrally or occupy a more advanced attacking role, giving Maresca another technically gifted option capable of playing across the frontline.
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For Everton, the departure would represent a significant financial boost but also a major sporting loss. David Moyes had been keen to retain the Senegalese forward, particularly after Ndiaye rejected several contract extension proposals.
The transfer is also significant for Tottenham, who had seemingly won the race only hours earlier. Their agreement with Everton now appears to have been overtaken by City's late intervention.
If the medical and final paperwork are completed successfully, Ndiaye will become the latest major attacking addition to Maresca's evolving Manchester City squad.
The dramatic deadline-day move demonstrates once again how quickly Premier League transfers can change when one of Europe's biggest clubs enters the race.