Report: Man City want to sign £80m-rated forward

Report: Man City want to sign £80m-rated forward Man City Eye Iliman Ndiaye as Enzo Maresca Seeks Attacking Depth and New Leaders Manchester City are exploring a move for Iliman Ndiaye as Enzo Maresca reshapes his squad in the closing days of the transfer window, with The Guardian reporting Everton value the Senegal international at around £80m. City’s interest arrives after a summer of significant change in the attacking department. Sávio has departed for Tottenham in a £75m move, while Omar Marmoush has also joined Spurs on an initial season-long loan. That has left Maresca looking for fresh solutions in the final third, and Ndiaye appears to be firmly on the club’s radar. The 44-cap Senegal forward is admired by the City head coach and remains under contract at Everton until 2029, a detail that naturally strengthens the Merseyside club’s negotiating position. There is movement in the opposite direction too. Everton are keen on bringing Jack Grealish back after his loan spell last season, while Sunderland are also credited with interest. Grealish is now in the final year of his contract and Maresca’s latest comments suggested an exit remains possible before the deadline. “Jack is here until the day that he’s not here,” he said. “It’s my duty to try to help him to give us the best and then we’ll see in the next four-five days what happens.” Iliman Ndiaye Transfer Interest Grows Ndiaye would offer flexibility, ball-carrying ability and proven Premier League adaptation, qualities that appear especially relevant after City’s recent departures. He is capable of operating wide or centrally, and that versatility may be part of the appeal as Maresca rebuilds his attacking structure. City have already completed a €37.5m, £34m, deal for Palmeiras winger Allan Elias, while Liverpool’s Cody Gakpo is also being monitored. That points to a broad search across multiple profiles rather than a single-track pursuit, with Ndiaye one of several serious options under consideration. Photo IMAGO Enzo Maresca Wants More Captains The City manager has been equally open about another recruitment priority, leadership. This summer the club has seen Bernardo Silva, Rodri, John Stones and Nathan Aké move on, taking considerable experience with them. Maresca has named Rúben Dias and Erling Haaland as captains but believes the group still needs more authority. “We have experienced players,” Maresca said. “For sure, we have leaders. Now we need to wait four-five more days when the transfer window closes if we can add one or two more captains to Rúben and Erling.” One player City are expected to move for is Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernández, despite an earlier internal deadline passing without a formal offer. That interest has intensified following the departures of Rodri and Nico González, and it underlines how Maresca is trying to address personality as well as quality. Phil Foden Role Remains Under Focus Phil Foden started the 2-1 win over Bournemouth on the wing, largely because Jérémy Doku is injured, though his best position remains a subject of discussion. Maresca made clear he expects more from the England international, saying: “For sure he can give much more,” before adding, “No doubt that he is going to be, again, the Phil we all know and we all want.” On leadership, the message was similarly direct. “Because many players left, he has to take one step forward in terms of personality, leadership. But since day one I’ve been very happy with the way he’s working, and also his mood, he’s happy.” With Matheus Nunes a doubt for Friday’s trip to Crystal Palace, City’s need for depth and direction feels increasingly clear as deadline day approaches. Our View From a Manchester City perspective, this report feels encouraging on a few levels. First, the Iliman Ndiaye link makes football sense. He is dynamic, direct and already understands the Premier League, which matters when a club is trying to refresh quickly. If Sávio has gone and Marmoush is no longer an option, City need somebody who can arrive and contribute without a long settling-in period. Ndiaye looks like that kind of player. There is also something reassuring in Maresca’s emphasis on leadership. Supporters will know that replacing talents like Bernardo Silva, Rodri, John Stones and Nathan Aké is not only about technical quality. It is about standards, mentality and calm in the biggest moments. Hearing the manager talk about adding “one or two captains” suggests he sees the same issue fans do. Enzo Fernández would be a major statement if City can get it done. He brings edge, authority and high-level experience. Even if that deal proves difficult, the intention behind it is important. This squad still has elite talent in Rúben Dias, Erling Haaland and Phil Foden, and if the right personalities are added around them, the shape of the next City side starts to become clearer. For supporters, the key is balance. Add Ndiaye or a similar attacker, bring in another leader in midfield, and this suddenly looks far less like a squad in transition and far more like one preparing to compete hard again.