Premier League clubs seal flurry of smart deadline day signings including Ndiaye and Mbaye
Premier League clubs have concluded business with a series of high-profile and analytically driven transfer deals on deadline day, targeting dynamic ball carriers, creative wingers, and defensive stalwarts to reshape their squads for the campaign ahead.
Manchester City bolster wing options with Iliman Ndiaye
Manchester City completed a £65m move for Everton's versatile forward Iliman Ndiaye. Under Enzo Maresca, City have leaned heavily into elite 1v1 dribbling ability, adding to a frontline that already boasts Jérémy Doku, Antoine Semenyo, and Rayan Cherki. The Senegal international ranked second in the Premier League last season for both dribbles attempted (136) and completed (73), providing Maresca with another relentless progressive outlet.
Newcastle land Matias Fernandez-Pardo in £51m deal
Newcastle United secured the signature of 20-year-old Belgian forward Matias Fernandez-Pardo from Lille for £51m. Capable of playing through the middle as a No 9 or cutting inside from the left flank, Fernandez-Pardo recorded 122 carries progressing at least 10 metres upfield in Ligue 1 last season—a mark beaten by only seven players. He also led the French top flight for carries into the penalty area (69) and registered 39 carries ending with a shot or chance created.
Aston Villa recruit teenage sensation Ibrahim Mbaye for £47m
Aston Villa completed an ambitious £47m swoop for Paris Saint-Germain prodigy Ibrahim Mbaye. Despite being just 18 years old, Mbaye featured in Senegal’s Africa Cup of Nations and World Cup squads, alongside two Ligue 1 title-winning seasons in Paris. Last term in Ligue 1, he averaged 20.0 carries and 10.3 progressive carries per 90 minutes, ranking third overall for take-on-ending carries with 2.9 per 90, while delivering 0.45 goals or assists per 90 minutes.
Brighton add Femi Azeez and Chema Andrés
Brighton & Hove Albion concluded two strategic signings to strengthen their squad depth. The Seagulls captured winger Femi Azeez from Millwall for an initial £12.5m rising to £15m. Azeez dominated Championship metrics last season, topping the division for open-play crosses (227) and expected assists from crosses (6.71 xA), while generating 9.12 total xA and creating 18 big chances.
Brighton also reinforced their midfield with a £20m swoop for Stuttgart's Chema Andrés following the departure of Carlos Baleba to Manchester United. The Real Madrid academy graduate, often compared in profile to Rodri, ranked second among Bundesliga midfielders playing 900+ minutes for interceptions per 90 (2.3).
Sunderland strengthen survival bid with Danso and Fofana
Sunderland secured significant reinforcements by signing Tottenham defender Kevin Danso on a loan deal with an obligation to buy, alongside a £30m deal for Lyon winger Malick Fofana.
Danso, who served as cover for Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven at Spurs, ranked first in the Premier League last season for clearances (8.2 per 90) and headed clearances (6.3 per 90). He is slated to partner alongside Dan Ballard in Sunderland’s resilient defensive setup.
Fofana arrives looking to reignite his career following an injury-disrupted season at Lyon. During the 2024-25 campaign, the dynamic Belgian registered nine goal involvements across 1,586 minutes, averaging 0.25 expected assists and 11.5 progressive carries per 90 minutes.