City eventually landed Iliman Ndiaye on Deadline Day – but only after an £80million move for Cody Gakpo was rejected by Liverpool.
According to Sky Sports, Liverpool turned down City’s offer for the Netherlands international on Monday.
The Anfield club were concerned about their chances of finding a replacement so late in the transfer window and were unwilling to let Gakpo leave.
That brought Ndiaye firmly into the picture.
And things moved quickly.
City moved quickly after Gakpo rejection
Tottenham had already held advanced talks over Ndiaye and had established a £60m fee with Everton.
But City were already in contact with Everton over Jack Grealish and, after being knocked back for Gakpo, discussions over Ndiaye accelerated.
A deal was eventually agreed at £60m plus a further £5m in potential bonuses, with the Senegal international signing a five-year contract.
Grealish returned to Everton on a season-long loan in a separate transaction.
The Gakpo bid offers an interesting glimpse into City’s thinking during the final stages of the window.
Enzo Maresca had seen his wide options reduced following the departures of Savinho and Omar Marmoush to Tottenham, while Grealish was also heading back to Everton.
In fact, City didn’t name a winger among their substitutes for Friday night’s 4-1 win at Crystal Palace, with Maresca admitting that Phil Foden, who started out wide, isn’t naturally a winger.
Another attacking option was clearly required.
City were prepared to go as high as £80m for Gakpo.
When Liverpool said no, they switched their attention to Ndiaye and had the deal completed by the end of Deadline Day.
The 26-year-old certainly sounds happy with the outcome.
After completing the move, Ndiaye described City as the “perfect fit”, saying he enjoys playing with the ball on the floor in an attacking team.
He might not have been the man City initially tried to sign.
But after Liverpool shut the door on an £80m deal for Gakpo, City wasted little time securing another of the Premier League’s most dangerous wide players.
For updates on City throughout the season, take a look at our LIVE! Premier League 2026/27 News, Transfers, Updates & Viral Moments page.
