Manchester City have reached an agreement in principle with Everton for the transfer of Senegal forward Iliman Ndiaye, with the deal expected to be worth €76m.
The 25-year-old is due to travel to Manchester on Tuesday morning for a medical. If no issues arise, he will then sign his contract and complete his move to the Etihad Stadium.
The agreement was reported by Fabrizio Romano and David Ornstein on Monday evening, with Manchester City prepared to pay the substantial fee to secure the Senegal international.
Ndiaye’s move represents a remarkable rise for a player whose career took a different direction after an underwhelming spell with Olympique de Marseille. Having joined the French club before moving to Everton, the forward struggled to establish himself during his time in Marseille and was subsequently drawn towards a fresh challenge in the Premier League.
His arrival at Everton proved to be a turning point. Two years after joining the Toffees, Ndiaye has revived his career and attracted the attention of one of English football’s leading clubs.
The proposed transfer is another major Premier League deal and underlines the financial strength of clubs in England’s top flight. For Manchester City, it would bring a player who has rebuilt his reputation in England after leaving Marseille.
Ndiaye is now expected to complete the final stages of the transfer in Manchester. Subject to the medical and the signing of his new contract, his arrival at the Etihad Stadium will formally mark his return to the city after only two years at Everton.
According to Transfermarkt, Ndiaye’s current market value is estimated at €55m. His annual salary in England is listed as €2,795,582, equivalent to 1,817,128,300 FCFA.
The reported €76m fee would therefore exceed that current valuation and make the move another significant piece of business involving a Premier League club. It would also complete a rapid change in circumstances for Ndiaye, whose time at Olympique de Marseille had been described as unfinished before his move to Everton.
Manchester City’s agreement with Everton comes before the Toffees are scheduled to face Manchester United in their third match of the English championship season. Betting odds published for that fixture list Manchester United as the favourites at 2.20, with a draw priced at 3.30 and an Everton victory at 2.80.
Ndiaye is expected to be in Manchester from Tuesday morning as he prepares to finalise the transfer. Provided the medical is successful, the Senegal forward will sign for Manchester City and complete a spectacular next step in his career.