Man City star Iliman Ndiaye hints at Marseille return
Manchester City forward Iliman Ndiaye has already dropped a major hint about leaving the club just weeks after his big-money transfer to the Etihad Stadium.
The Senegal international completed a £65million move from Everton during the summer window but has admitted his long-term future may lie back in France.
Speaking to French publication La Provence, Ndiaye addressed the affection he still receives from supporters of his former team, Marseille.
When asked about the Ligue 1 fans calling for him to make a comeback, Ndiaye said:
The shouts from Marseille supporters asking me to come back? It is nice to hear. I don’t think that the story is finished, but we will see. I’m just saying, I never know where it’ll lead me, but we’ll see anyway.
A childhood dream unresolved
The 26-year-old attacking midfielder has never hidden his deep connection to the French giants, whom he supported throughout his childhood.
He realised a dream by joining them from Sheffield United in a £20million deal back in 2023, though he stayed for only a single season before returning to England.
Despite a tough spell in Ligue 1 where he managed only four goals in 46 matches, Ndiaye remains incredibly fond of his former employers.
Before making his big-money move to the Etihad, the forward enjoyed a productive spell in Merseyside with Everton.
During his two years at Goodison Park, he established himself as a key player, scoring 17 goals and providing four assists in 74 appearances.
Expressing his ongoing devotion to the French side, Ndiaye said:
I only have positive memories of my time at OM [Marseille], and it was a source of pride for me. I don’t miss a single match. It’s my club, and it always will be.
Etihad future plunged into uncertainty
These eye-opening comments have emerged at a highly sensitive moment for Manchester City, who are currently dealing with a massive off-field crisis.
The Premier League recently announced that an independent commission had found the reigning champions guilty of 114 breaches of financial regulations between 2009 and 2018.
With the threat of severe sporting sanctions, including potential relegation, hanging over the club, the futures of several key players are suddenly up in the air.
City have strongly maintained their innocence, confirming they submitted an official appeal against the commission’s findings on Thursday.
City fight back against financial verdict
In an official statement released on Friday, the club expressed their determination to overturn the ruling, claiming they have the proof to clear their name.
Defending their position, Manchester City said:
The Club is innocent of the accusations made by the Premier League and a comprehensive body of irrefutable evidence exists in support of all of its positions, relating to this case.
While the legal battle continues, Ndiaye will need to focus on finding his best form on the pitch under manager Enzo Maresca.
The versatile forward has enjoyed a solid but quiet start to life in Manchester, failing to register a goal or an assist in his first four appearances.
However, his eye-catching cameo against Manchester United showed his immense potential, and his ability to deputise for Erling Haaland makes him a valuable asset.
