Everton News has taken another twist this summer, with Tottenham Hotspur reaching an agreement in principle to sign Iliman Ndiaye from Everton. The move points to a significant reshaping of both clubs’ attacking options, while Richarlison is also set to head back to Everton in a separate agreement in principle.
The timing matters. Ndiaye only joined Everton from Marseille in 2024 for a fee of £15million, while Richarlison made the move the other way in 2022 in a deal worth up to £60m. That gives this story a clear symmetry, with two forwards now on the verge of swapping clubs again as the window develops.
Why Ndiaye became a target
Ndiaye’s status at Everton has been under discussion for some time. On June 2, The Athletic reported that Everton were facing a fight to keep hold of him amid expected summer interest, and the forward had also been the subject of interest from Manchester City.
That level of attention is not hard to understand. Ndiaye has brought goals and end product during his time at Everton, and last season he declined multiple new contract offers with three years left on his terms. In other words, this is not a sudden development, but the latest step in a process that had already been moving in this direction.
For Tottenham, the attraction is obvious. They have also been linked with Cody Gakpo this summer, while Manchester City are in talks over the Liverpool forward. But Ndiaye now appears to be the player they have moved to secure, with the agreement in principle suggesting serious intent rather than loose interest.
Richarlison’s return changes the picture
The other half of the story is just as important for Everton. Richarlison is also set to rejoin the club from Tottenham in an agreement in principle, bringing his spell in North London closer to an end.
Roberto De Zerbi said on Saturday that Richarlison had asked to leave in the final days of the transfer window after Tottenham’s 2-0 loss against Newcastle United. That comment added fresh clarity to the situation and helped explain why the move has gathered pace.
Everton were linked with a possible return for Jack Grealish, but the Richarlison development gives them a very different solution. He knows the club, knows the pressure, and now looks set for another chapter at Everton at a time when they are trying to reshape their attack.
What comes next for both clubs?
Until every detail is completed, neither move should be treated as fully done, but the direction is clear. Tottenham are closing in on Ndiaye, Everton are set to welcome Richarlison back, and both clubs appear ready to alter their forward line before the summer window closes.
For Everton, the key question is whether the swap leaves them stronger overall. For Tottenham, it is whether Ndiaye can quickly become a reliable part of their attacking structure. Either way, this is one of the more eye-catching Premier League moves of the window so far.
