Omanghana
Senegal international Iliman Ndiaye has revealed that the opportunity to play in the UEFA Champions League influenced his decision to join Manchester City instead of Tottenham Hotspur.
The 26-year-old winger completed a deadline-day transfer from Everton to City in a deal worth up to £65 million. The agreement includes a guaranteed payment of £60 million and a further £5 million in performance-related add-ons.
Ndiaye signed a five-year contract that will keep him at the Etihad Stadium until 2031.
Reflecting on the final days of the transfer window, the Senegalese attacker said he remained patient while discussions about his future continued. He was delighted when Manchester City eventually formalized their interest.
Ndiaye acknowledged Tottenham’s status as a major club but explained that the chance to join City, compete in the Champions League and challenge regularly for trophies was too attractive to reject.
“When Manchester City comes through, you don’t say no,” he said.
Tottenham had reportedly reached an agreement with Everton earlier in deadline week. However, the proposed transfer stalled after Spurs failed to complete a deal to move Brazilian forward Richarlison away from the club.
Manchester City subsequently acted quickly to secure Ndiaye’s services before the transfer window closed.
Leaving Everton was not an easy decision for the forward, who developed a strong relationship with supporters at Goodison Park. He scored 17 goals in 74 appearances during his two seasons with the Merseyside club.
Despite his affection for Everton, Ndiaye said the ambition to compete for major domestic and European honors ultimately shaped the next stage of his career.
The Senegal international made an immediate start to life at his new club after being named in Enzo Maresca’s starting lineup for City’s Premier League match against Coventry City.
He played 87 minutes on his official debut as Manchester City secured a 1-0 victory.
Ndiaye’s journey to the Etihad has included spells at Boreham Wood and Hyde United before his breakthrough at Sheffield United. He registered 22 goals and 14 assists for the Blades between 2019 and 2023, playing an important role in their promotion campaign.
He later joined Olympique de Marseille, where he made 46 appearances during the 2023/24 season, before returning to England to sign for Everton.
Now at Manchester City, Ndiaye will hope to establish himself as a key attacking option while pursuing the major trophies that influenced his decision to join the club.
Source: Omanghana
