Manchester City agree £45m deal for Everton’s Iliman Ndiaye in 2026 transfer push

Background: Ndiaye's rise from Senegal to the Premier League

Iliman Ndiaye, the 24‑year‑old Senegalese forward, arrived at Everton in the summer of 2023 after a prolific spell with Rangers, where he netted 27 league goals in two seasons. His speed, work‑rate and knack for finding space quickly made him a fan favourite and earned him a call‑up to the Senegal national team for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

At Goodison Park, Ndiaye has become one of the few African strikers to consistently score double‑digit goals in a top‑five European league. In the 2025‑26 season he recorded 14 Premier League goals and added three more in the Europa League, attracting attention from several clubs with deeper pockets. His market value, according to Transfermarkt, rose from €18 million in 2023 to an estimated €45 million this summer.

What happened: City seal the deal with Everton

Manchester City confirmed on September 1, 2026 that they have reached an agreement with Everton for Ndiaye’s transfer, reportedly for a fee of around £45 million plus add‑ons. Sources close to the negotiations told ESPN that the clubs settled on a two‑year loan with an obligation to buy, a structure that helps City stay within UEFA Financial Fair Play limits while giving Everton a guaranteed income stream.

The deal also includes a 20 percent sell‑on clause, meaning Everton will profit if City later moves Ndiaye on for a higher price. Everton’s chief executive, Scott Miller, said the transfer “provides us with the financial flexibility to reinvest in our academy and strengthen the squad for the upcoming season.”

Why it matters: City’s squad depth and the African talent pipeline

City’s acquisition of Ndiaye reflects a broader shift in Pep Guardiola’s recruitment philosophy. After losing Erling Haaland to Barcelona, the English giants have been hunting for a versatile forward who can thrive in their high‑press system and still offer a goal threat. Ndiaye’s ability to press from the front and his proven record against physical defenders make him a logical fit for a side that values intensity and quick transitions.

Beyond tactical considerations, the transfer underscores the growing importance of African players in the Premier League’s talent market. Over the past decade, clubs have increasingly turned to Africa for cost‑effective, high‑impact signings—examples include Sadio Mané, Riyad Mahrez and, more recently, Victor Osimhen. Ndiaye’s move adds another data point that could encourage scouts to look deeper into Senegal’s domestic league and the West African youth academies that have produced him.

Implications for Senegal and the African diaspora

For the Senegal national team, Ndiaye’s step up to a club that regularly competes in the Champions League could boost his development ahead of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations. Playing alongside world‑class talents such as Erling Haaland and Phil Foden will expose him to higher tactical demands, potentially translating into more decisive performances for the Lions of Teranga.

The transfer also resonates with the African diaspora in the UK and across Europe. Many fans from Senegal, Nigeria and the broader West African region follow Premier League clubs as a cultural link to home. Ndiaye’s success story—rising from a Dakar youth academy to a top English side—offers a narrative of upward mobility that resonates strongly with diaspora communities and may increase viewership of both City matches and Senegal’s international fixtures.

What’s next: City’s season outlook and Everton’s rebuilding plan

City’s immediate challenge will be integrating Ndiaye into a squad that already boasts a deep attacking roster. Guardiola is expected to rotate him between the starting XI and the bench, using his pace to stretch defenses in games where the opposition sits deep. Early preseason friendlies suggest he has already begun adapting to the club’s possession‑heavy style, with several goals in behind‑the‑defence drills.

Everton, meanwhile, will need to fill the void left by Ndiaye’s departure. The club’s scouting network has identified a promising 19‑year‑old forward from the Senegalese Ligue 1, and the anticipated funds from the transfer will support upgrades to the training ground and a new academy wing. Club insiders say the board views the sale as a catalyst for a longer‑term rebuild rather than a short‑term loss.

Quick Answers

How much did Manchester City pay for Iliman Ndiaye?
The reported fee is around £45 million, structured as a two‑year loan with an obligation to buy.

What impact could Ndiaye’s move have on the Senegal national team?
Playing for a top club like City should accelerate his development, giving Senegal a more experienced striker ahead of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.

Why is this transfer significant for African football fans?
It highlights the growing pipeline of African talent to Europe and provides a success story that resonates with diaspora communities following Premier League football.

Source: www.espn.com