Senegal forward Iliman Ndiaye has made an early impression on Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca despite not yet featuring in a competitive match for his new club.
The 26-year-old joined City from Everton in the final hours of the transfer window and has quickly caught the attention of the Italian coach during training.
Ndiaye could make his Manchester City debut on Saturday when Maresca’s side host newly promoted Coventry City in the third round of Premier League fixtures.
Although the Senegal international is not guaranteed an immediate place in the starting XI, Maresca appears encouraged by the qualities his new signing can bring to City’s attack.
Ndiaye’s ability to operate on either wing or play behind the main striker gives Maresca several options as he considers how best to use the former Everton player.
His pace, ability to change direction and composure when operating in confined areas are understood to have particularly impressed the manager.
Those attributes also fit the attacking approach Maresca wants from his new Manchester City side, potentially giving Ndiaye an important role as he settles into a squad packed with attacking talent.
City go into Saturday’s match at the Etihad Stadium looking for a third straight Premier League victory.
They had to recover from a 2-1 deficit to beat Bournemouth, with Rayan Cherki providing two assists in the comeback.
City then produced a more convincing performance against Crystal Palace, winning 4-1 as Cherki and Erling Haaland both scored twice.
Coventry, managed by former England midfielder Frank Lampard, will therefore face a City side in confident mood when the teams meet on Saturday, September 5 at 3pm in England, or 4pm in France.
For Ndiaye, the fixture could provide an opportunity to begin his Manchester City career.
Speaking at his pre-match press conference, Maresca made clear his appreciation of the Senegalese forward, although the timing of Ndiaye’s arrival means he may have to wait for his first start.
The former Everton player has already shown useful form at the beginning of the 2026-27 campaign. Before completing his move, he started both of Everton’s opening two league matches, playing 180 minutes and registering one assist.
Last season, Ndiaye scored six goals and supplied three assists in 32 league appearances.
Manchester City have committed £60m to the transfer, with a further £5m potentially payable in bonuses. The Senegal international has signed a contract running until June 2031.
