Iliman Ndiaye has explained why he opted to join Manchester City, amid previous links to Tottenham.
Man City confirmed the signing of Ndiaye from Everton on transfer Deadline Day, successfully hijacking Spurs’ move for the Senegal international.
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As reported by Standard Sport, Ndiaye had been a target for Tottenham after their move for Liverpool winger Cody Gakpo fell through.
However, City - also linked with the Dutchman - agreed to pay Everton £60million up front with a further £5m potentially due in add-ons to land Ndiaye.
Speaking for the first time as a Man City player, Ndiaye made it clear that he only wanted to make the switch to the Etihad Stadium.
“It’s easy to make the decision about whether you want to be at Manchester City or not,” he said.
“You can see the recent history; you want to be part of that project.
He's here 🤩🇸🇳 pic.twitter.com/MhVNGqt7cI
— Manchester City (@ManCity) September 1, 2026
“They talked to me about where we could go, what we could achieve with me in the team, and I was interested from the beginning.
“There was nothing else that I wanted other than joining Manchester City.
“Obviously, you want to be part of this new project. I’ve seen recently what they’ve been doing, and I feel like I will fit right in it.
“I’m super excited to start.
“It’s an unbelievable moment. I’ve worked so hard to get to this point and I’m super excited and really grateful for this opportunity.”
Ndiaye is set to be joined at Man City by Enzo Fernandez after Chelsea accepted an £125m bid - equalling the British transfer record - for the Argentine to reunite with Enzo Maresca.
As for Spurs, they have now turned their attention to Chelsea’s Mykhailo Mudryk and are expected to confirm a loan move before the 11pm BST deadline.
