Why I chose Man City over Tottenham — Ndiaye

Iliman Ndiaye says it was impossible to turn down Manchester City when the Premier League champions came calling, with the new signing eager to play in the Champions League.

The 26-year-old joined City from Everton for £60m on transfer deadline day and was immediately handed a starting place in their 1-0 Premier League win over Coventry City at the weekend.

Ndiaye had appeared destined for Tottenham after Spurs agreed a deal with Everton in the final week of the transfer window.

However, the move collapsed after Tottenham were unable to sell Richarlison, allowing City to step in and complete the deal.

“There was no stress or panicking,” Ndiaye said.

“I always say whatever comes, comes. God decides your future – it is already written.

“I was just being patient and when City came through I was buzzing. It was always going to be City.

“I wanted Champions League and playing at one of the best teams in the world. I am not saying Tottenham is not, but when Manchester City comes through you don’t say no.

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“It has been a good week for me and topped off with a win.”

Ndiaye spent two seasons at Everton and became a popular figure among supporters despite the club finishing in the bottom half of the Premier League table during his time there.

The Senegal international scored 17 goals for Everton and established himself as one of the club’s most influential attacking players.

He said the opportunity to play in the Champions League was a major factor in his decision to leave.

“When I was speaking with my wife, I was telling her that if I had to leave Everton it would be somewhere where I know I would be playing Champions League,” he said.

“It was difficult to leave Everton. I created a great connection with the fans and the players there, but we have to move on sometimes and it’s how football is.”

Ndiaye joined Everton in 2024 for £15m after spells with Sheffield United and Marseille.

He began his professional career in non-league football with Boreham Wood before moving to Hyde United, just seven miles from City’s Etihad Stadium.

The move to Manchester represents another major step in Ndiaye’s rise through English football.

After helping Sheffield United in the Championship and spending a season at Marseille, he moved to Everton before earning his move to one of Europe’s biggest clubs.

Ndiaye said he is focused on building his future at City rather than looking back at the twists and turns that led to the transfer.

“I don’t really look back. I just look to the future and work hard. I never stop. I just look at the next step and this is a big step to join Manchester City,” he said.

“It is one of the biggest clubs in the world. There are world-class players, world-class stadium and the fans are brilliant.

“This is where I think I belong. I have worked hard to get to this point.”

Ndiaye’s debut came just days after completing his move, and he will now compete for a regular place in Pep Guardiola’s side as City prepare for their Champions League campaign.