£65m Ndiaye emerges as a genuine difference-maker for Manchester City after Gakpo deal collapsed

Iliman Ndiaye is beginning to look like the player Manchester City’s hierarchy always believed they were signing, with the £65 million winger making his presence felt in consecutive Premier League wins over Manchester United and Sunderland.

The move almost never happened. City spent much of the summer window chasing Liverpool’s Cody Gakpo, and at one stage the Netherlands international appeared set to make the switch from Merseyside to Manchester. When that deal collapsed, the club pivoted sharply, completing a deadline-day signing of Ndiaye from Marseille — a player who had been on loan at Hyde United just six years earlier.

Ndiaye came off the bench at Old Trafford and impressed with his ability to retain possession and drive forward as City secured a 1-0 derby win. The following weekend against Sunderland, he was arguably the best player on the pitch in the first half before being replaced by Jeremy Doku after the break. One moment in particular stood out: a sharp run and deft flick to himself before unselfishly teeing up Erling Haaland for a clear chance — which the Norwegian missed — underlined the Senegalese winger’s directness, energy, and creativity.

The coaching staff were impressed by Ndiaye’s attitude and application in training from the moment he arrived, and his work rate has continued to earn internal praise. He has also settled comfortably off the pitch, with friends travelling from Paris to watch him play — leaving with his match shirts as souvenirs.

There are still areas to develop. After Ndiaye’s debut against Coventry, manager Enzo Maresca noted the winger was too often found in the wrong position. Adapting to Maresca’s system — which demands wingers play high and wide and act as the primary creators — will be key to unlocking his full potential in a City side that has already scored 20 goals in seven matches this season.

Ndiaye has yet to register a direct goal contribution, but the trajectory is encouraging. After the Sunderland win, Maresca made a point of singling him out unprompted. “I think Iliman played quite well,” was the manager’s succinct verdict.

Sporting Director Hugo Viana has spoken openly about why City moved for Ndiaye, citing his versatility as a major factor. “Iliman is a very versatile player, he can play on the left, right and as a number 10 also. Maybe he can be a false nine in some games,” Viana said. The club had been monitoring Ndiaye for some time before making their move, viewing him as a natural fit for the style Maresca is building at the Etihad.