Ndiaye: “When City come calling, you don’t say no”

Iliman Ndiaye is speaking with confidence after landing at Manchester City, and his message is simple: according to BBC Sport, when the club approach you, you don’t refuse—and he feels his best place is Champions League football.

The 26-year-old completed a £60m switch from Everton to City on transfer deadline day. BBC Sport also notes that Tottenham looked like the likely destination late in the window, with Everton and Spurs reaching an agreement, but the move fell through after Spurs couldn’t complete the deal because they failed to sell Richarlison.

Impact straight away

Ndiaye was thrown into the starting XI immediately and helped City to a 1-0 Premier League win over Coventry at the weekend. BBC Sport highlights that he attempted eight dribbles on his debut against Coventry—more than any other player.

“It was always going to be City”

In comments reported by BBC Sport, Ndiaye said he was patient before the right opportunity came through, and that he and his wife discussed the idea of leaving Everton only for a club where he knew he would play in Europe’s top competition. He described leaving Everton as difficult, pointing to the connection he built with fans and teammates there, while insisting that football sometimes requires change.

The next step

Despite Everton finishing in the bottom half during his two seasons at the club, Ndiaye became a fan favourite for his attacking threat from the flanks, scoring 17 goals. He also frames the move as the next stage of a career built on hard work, calling City “one of the biggest clubs in the world” and saying this is where he believes he belongs.

Source: BBC Sport.