Tottenham agree deal for Iliman Ndiaye; Richarlison set for Everton return

Hupu, August 30 — According to The Athletic reporter David Ornstein, Tottenham Hotspur have reached an agreement in principle with Everton to sign Iliman Ndiaye, while Richarlison will return to Everton.

Sources from both clubs indicate that Ndiaye's move to Tottenham and Richarlison's return to Everton are two separate transactions and are not directly linked. Currently, both deals still require agreement on personal terms with the players and completion of medical examinations.

The Athletic previously reported on Thursday that Manchester City had also shown interest in Ndiaye, and Everton hoped to bring back Jack Grealish in a related deal. Grealish was loaned to Everton by Manchester City last season. However, Manchester City has now shifted focus to negotiating with Liverpool for Dutch forward Cody Gakpo, who has expressed a willingness to join Enzo Maresca's team.

Tottenham also attempted to sign Gakpo this summer to strengthen their attacking line, but the 27-year-old forward ultimately chose not to move to North London, preferring to join Manchester City instead.

Ndiaye's Background and Contract Situation

Ndiaye rejected multiple contract extension offers from Everton last season, with his existing contract still having three years remaining. The Athletic reported on June 2 that Everton would face challenges in retaining Ndiaye, given the expected interest from several clubs this summer.

However, sources at Everton insisted that Ndiaye maintained a professional attitude throughout the summer. The Senegalese international started in Everton's first three matches of the season and provided an assist in the opening 2-0 victory over Crystal Palace.

Ndiaye joined Everton from Marseille in 2024 for a transfer fee of £15 million (approximately €17.7 million, $19 million). Since his arrival, he has made 73 appearances for Everton in all competitions, scoring 17 goals and providing 4 assists.

Richarlison's Return to Everton

Richarlison joined Tottenham from Everton in the summer of 2022 in a deal that could reach a total of £60 million. The 29-year-old Brazilian forward has made 134 appearances for Tottenham, scoring 32 goals. During his previous stint at Everton, he made 152 appearances and scored 53 goals.

Tottenham manager Roberto De Zerbi stated after the team's 0-2 loss to Newcastle United on Saturday that Richarlison, Kevin Danso, and Pape Sarr were not included in the matchday squad because they had expressed a desire to leave the club in the final days of the summer transfer window.

Richarlison was Tottenham's top Premier League scorer last season with 11 goals and started in the team's opening match defeat to Brentford this season.

Ndiaye's Arrival to Complete Tottenham's Attacking Line Restructuring

The Athletic's Tottenham correspondent Jay Harris analyzed: After missing out on Gakpo, Tottenham's ability to quickly pivot to Ndiaye is commendable. If the deal is completed, Ndiaye will become Tottenham's ninth new signing in this frantic summer transfer window.

Under De Zerbi, Mathys Tel is currently the first choice for Tottenham's left-wing position. The 20-year-old has shown flashes of talent but remains inconsistent. Since joining Tottenham from Bayern Munich in January 2025, initially on loan and then permanently, Tel has made 61 appearances for the club, scoring just 7 goals.

At the start of last season, Tel competed for this position with fellow France U21 teammate Wilson Odobert, but the latter suffered a serious anterior cruciate ligament injury in February and is unlikely to return in the short term.

Ndiaye's arrival will complete the overhaul of Tottenham's forward line and even the entire starting lineup. In the season opener against Brentford, Tottenham's attack appeared somewhat thin, but with Dominic Solanke and Mohammed Kudus recently returning from injury, the team will soon have a wealth of attacking options.

In De Zerbi's preferred 4-2-3-1 system, Ndiaye could join fellow new signings Omar Marmoush and Savinho in Tottenham's attacking line. The Senegalese international brings proven Premier League quality to the wing, with further potential for improvement. He has played 67 top-flight matches for Everton, scoring 15 goals.

Richarlison's Legacy at Tottenham

As for the departing Richarlison, he may be remembered as a "legendary figure" beloved by some Tottenham fans, but overall, he never quite lived up to expectations upon his arrival.

Richarlison's four-year spell in North London was plagued by injuries. He initially played alongside Harry Kane, and after Kane's departure, he was unfairly tasked with replacing Tottenham's all-time leading scorer.

De Zerbi has repeatedly stated publicly that Richarlison wants to leave the club. Now, it seems the Brazilian forward is finally about to fulfill his wish and return to Everton, where he produced his best performances.

Source: New York Times

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