Stars in Europe - Cameroon - Keyplayer - Iliman Ndiaye moved to Manchester City
As a 19-year-old living in London, Ndiaye was in the youth ranks of Boreham Wood and playing Sunday league football when he was invited for a one-week trial with Sheffield United. Two trial games were enough for the then-Premier League club to sign the talented teenager, although it would be another 18 months until he made an appearance for the Blades.
Instead, he spent the second half of the 2019-20 campaign on loan at Hyde United in the Northern Premier Division, six levels below the top division.
He made six appearances in his very first taste of professional football, often risking missing the last train back to Sheffield to stay out on the training pitch. "It's not always been easy in my career," said Ndiaye. "But I always had the belief that I could play for a team challenging for the biggest prizes, and now I'm here."
After returning to Bramall Lane, Ndiaye made his Premier League debut in March 2021 against Leicester City. Still, it would be another three and a half years until he became established at the highest level following the Blades' relegation.
Two seasons in the Championship culminated in Ndiaye spearheading their return to the top flight in 2023 with 14 goals in 43 starts, but he was then sold to Marseille that summer. Ndiaye struggled during a season in France before joining Everton for an initial £16m fee in July 2024.
A firm fan favourite on Merseyside, "Skiliman" scored 15 goals and provided four assists in 67 Premier League games for the Toffees before his City move.
Ndiaye was responsible for 73 of Everton's 250 completed dribbles last season, the highest share of any Premier League player.
Cameroon
England