Idrissa Gueye has concluded his time with Everton following the expiration of his contract. Discussions regarding a new deal did not result in an agreement, leading to the Senegal international’s departure.
Sources familiar with the situation indicate that the 36-year-old midfielder is likely to accept a more financially attractive offer from another club. It was previously reported in May that Gueye had not met the required Premier League starts, which stood at 28, to activate an optional 12-month extension in his contract.
Talks concerning an extension were paused during the recent World Cup and resumed after Senegal was eliminated in the round of 32. Gueye made 236 appearances for Everton across two separate periods, contributing to the team’s efforts to avoid relegation and achieve a mid-table position.
Gueye’s Impact and Club Search for Replacements
Gueye’s influence at Everton has been significant, particularly since his return from Paris Saint-Germain in 2022. He was instrumental in helping the club avoid relegation and was recognised as the club’s player of the season in 2024-25. He also received the Players’ Player of the Season award twice during his tenure at the Merseyside club.
Manager David Moyes expressed gratitude for Gueye’s contributions, highlighting his dedication, professionalism, and leadership both on and off the pitch. Moyes noted Gueye’s crucial role, especially during the final season at Goodison Park, and wished him well for the future.
Everton is now actively seeking alternatives in the transfer market, with a focus on acquiring a new central midfielder. Hayden Hackney has already joined the club from Middlesbrough for an initial £16.5 million, plus additional bonuses. Additionally, the obligation to buy Merlin Rohl has been triggered.
The club is reportedly looking for a physically robust player to complement existing options like James Garner and new signing Hackney. The departure of club captain Seamus Coleman as a free agent and interest from European clubs in Nathan Patterson also mean that strengthening the right-back position remains a priority.
Financial Flexibility and Future Strategy
The departure of Gueye, whose wages were approximately £100,000 per week, has created financial flexibility for Everton. This is expected to allow the club to strengthen the squad, particularly in the midfield area.
The potential acquisition of a more dominant midfielder could also influence other transfer decisions. Moyes has previously favoured taller, aerially dominant right-backs, partly due to perceived deficiencies in other areas of the pitch. A new, robust central midfielder might enable the club to pursue a different profile for the right-back position, expanding their options in another key area.
Gueye initially joined Everton in 2016 under former manager Ronald Koeman. He later moved to Paris Saint-Germain in 2019, where he scored seven goals in 111 games and won both Ligue 1 and the French Cup twice. He returned to Goodison Park in 2022.
Everton is scheduled to begin their season at home against Crystal Palace on August 22. Before that, they will face Bolton Wanderers at the Toughsheet Community Stadium on Saturday, followed by a match against Stoke City on Tuesday evening.
Source: nytimes.com
Lucy Ashby is a Sports Reporter at NewsGB. She reported on the county circuit and Team GB. She focuses on tennis, cricket and athletics and is known for clear, deadline-driven reporting. She holds a degree in Sport and Media from Durham University and completed an NCTJ diploma. Now based in Durham, she plays club cricket and follows distance running. “The best sport reporting starts by listening.”
