Tottenham sign Iliman Ndiaye from Everton as Richarlison heads back
Synopsis
Tottenham are reshaping their attack in a flurry of late-window moves: Iliman Ndiaye arrives from Everton to join Marmoush and Savio, while Richarlison heads back to Merseyside after De Zerbi publicly confirmed the Brazilian had repeatedly asked to leave. The two deals are unlinked — but together they mark the clearest sign yet of De Zerbi's blueprint at Spurs.
Key Takeaways
Tottenham Hotspur have agreed a deal to sign Iliman Ndiaye from Everton , confirmed by The Athletic.
Ndiaye joined Everton from Marseille in 2024 for £15 million , making 73 appearances and scoring 17 goals .
Richarlison , who cost Spurs £60 million in 2022 , is set to return to Everton after 134 appearances and 32 goals for the club.
Manager Roberto De Zerbi confirmed Richarlison , Kevin Danso , and Pape Sarr have all expressed a desire to leave.
Manchester City were reportedly interested in Ndiaye but appear to have shifted focus to Cody Gakpo of Liverpool .
Tottenham Hotspur have reached an agreement to sign Iliman Ndiaye from Everton, with the Senegal winger set to bolster Roberto De Zerbi's attacking options at Spurs. Separately, Brazilian forward Richarlison is set to return to Everton — though the two deals are not linked, according to reports.
Ndiaye's Move to Spurs
The agreement for Ndiaye was confirmed by The Athletic, with the winger expected to join fellow new arrivals Omar Marmoush and Savio in Spurs' revamped attack. Ndiaye, who joined Everton from Marseille in 2024 for £15 million, had three years remaining on his contract at Goodison Park. He made 73 appearances for Everton, scoring 17 goals.
Notably, Manchester City were also reportedly in the running for Ndiaye, but their attention appears to have shifted to Liverpool winger Cody Gakpo, who has reportedly expressed a desire to join Enzo Maresca's side.
Richarlison's Departure from Spurs
Richarlison has been at Tottenham since 2022, when he joined from Everton in a deal worth £60 million. Over 134 appearances for Spurs, the Brazilian scored 32 goals. His exit comes after manager De Zerbi publicly acknowledged the forward's desire to leave.
'Richarlison, I don't know. He said too many times he wants to leave,' De Zerbi said following Spurs' 2-0 defeat to Newcastle. The manager also confirmed similar conversations with Kevin Danso and Pape Sarr, the latter of whom is reportedly nursing a minor injury but is close to returning to training.
Savio Settles In at Spurs
Meanwhile, Savio — the Brazilian forward Spurs had tracked for over a year — has spoken warmly of his move to north London. 'It's taken a while, but I'm very happy to be here,' he said in a club statement. 'It's a wonderful opportunity at a brilliant club with one of the best managers in the world. As soon as I spoke to the Head Coach, I knew I had to come.'
Spurs had registered their interest in Savio the previous summer before finalising the deal ahead of the transfer window deadline.
What This Means for Spurs
The arrivals of Ndiaye, Marmoush, and Savio signal a significant overhaul of De Zerbi's attacking unit as Tottenham look to rebuild following a difficult start to the season — underscored by the 2-0 loss to Newcastle. The departures of Richarlison, Danso, and potentially Sarr suggest a broader squad restructuring is underway before the transfer window closes.
Point of View
Danso, and Sarr in a post-match presser is unusual — and telling. It suggests a manager in a hurry to clear the dressing room of dissent rather than manage exits quietly. The Ndiaye signing is smart on paper: a direct, technical winger who fits the high-press mould De Zerbi favours. But with multiple outgoings and a 2-0 loss to Newcastle already on the board, Spurs are gambling that new arrivals can gel quickly. The transfer window rarely rewards that bet.
NationPress
30 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Iliman Ndiaye and why is he joining Tottenham?
Iliman Ndiaye is a Senegalese winger who joined Everton from Marseille in 2024 for £15 million. Tottenham have agreed a deal to sign him as manager Roberto De Zerbi looks to strengthen his attacking options alongside new signings Omar Marmoush and Savio.
Why is Richarlison leaving Tottenham?
Richarlison is leaving Tottenham because manager Roberto De Zerbi confirmed the Brazilian had repeatedly expressed a desire to leave. De Zerbi made the remarks publicly after Spurs' 2-0 defeat to Newcastle.
Are the Ndiaye and Richarlison deals linked?
No. Reports confirm the two deals are separate and unrelated, even though both involve Everton and Tottenham.
What is Richarlison's record at Tottenham?
Richarlison made 134 appearances for Tottenham and scored 32 goals after joining from Everton in 2022 in a deal worth £60 million.
Were any other clubs interested in Iliman Ndiaye?
Manchester City were reportedly interested in signing Ndiaye from Everton, but their focus appears to have shifted to Liverpool's Cody Gakpo, who has reportedly expressed a desire to join Enzo Maresca's side.
