Iliman Ndiaye’s journey to Manchester City has been something of a scenic route after he completed a move to Etihad Stadium from Everton in a deal worth up to £65m.
The deadline day move for the Senegal winger, 26, is worth £60m plus a further £5m in add-ons – a little over six years since he made his professional debut playing in the seventh tier of English football.
“I’ve worked my whole life for an opportunity like this,” said Ndiaye, who has signed a five-year contract with the club.
“City are one of the best clubs in the world and I’ve seen them win everything as I’ve grown up. To be able to write my own chapter in a story that special is the chance of a lifetime and I’m determined to grab it with both hands.”
Ndiaye had held talks with Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal earlier in the summer while Tottenham had agreed terms with Everton on Friday night for Ndiaye, when it looked as though Richarlison would move the other way in a separate transfer.
However, sources indicated Richarlison failed to agree personal terms with his former club and as a result, Spurs were unable to proceed with the Ndiaye transfer.
The move comes on the same day City agreed to pay a joint-British transfer record fee of £125m for Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez.
The Argentina international is set to become City’s eighth summer arrival with Enzo Maresca’s side having also signed Elliot Anderson, Geronimo Rulli, Ayyoub Bouaddi, Allan Elias, Jeremy Monga and Pierce Charles.
Credit: bbc.com
