Idrissa Gueye has left Everton following the conclusion of his contract, after discussions regarding a new deal did not result in an agreement. The Senegal international is anticipated to consider a more financially appealing offer from another club, according to sources familiar with the situation.
Reports in May indicated that the midfielder, who previously played for Aston Villa and Paris Saint-Germain, did not meet the required 28 Premier League starts to activate a club option for an additional 12 months. Talks for an extension were paused during the recent World Cup and resumed after Senegal’s elimination in the round of 32.
Gueye’s Impact and Club Search for Replacements
Gueye made a total of 236 appearances for Everton across two separate periods with the club. During his most recent spell, he played 25 games last season. He was a significant contributor to the team after his return from PSG in the summer of 2022, helping the club avoid relegation and move towards a mid-table position. His tough-tackling style earned him recognition among fans and was crucial in defensive metrics.
In the 2024-25 campaign, Gueye was named the club’s player of the season and has twice received the Players’ Player of the Season award during his time at the Merseyside club. He scored 10 goals and provided 11 assists during his tenure. Manager David Moyes expressed gratitude for Gueye’s contributions, highlighting his dedication, professionalism, and leadership, especially in the team’s final season at Goodison Park.
Everton is now looking for alternatives, with the acquisition of a new central midfielder considered probable. Hayden Hackney has already joined the club from Middlesbrough for an initial £16.5 million, plus bonuses, earlier in the transfer window. The club is expected to focus on a physically robust player to complement existing options like James Garner and Hackney.
The departure of Gueye, who earned around £100,000 per week, frees up significant wages, which could allow Everton to strengthen their squad in this area. This financial flexibility might also influence other transfer decisions, potentially allowing the club to pursue a different profile for a right-back, another position of need, given that club captain Seamus Coleman left as a free agent and Nathan Patterson has attracted interest from various European clubs.
Looking Ahead for Everton
The club struggled without Gueye after his initial move to PSG in 2019, eventually bringing him back three years later to assist in their fight against relegation. While he was a key player, there has been a growing sentiment that his influence was beginning to wane, with more signs of wear observed last season compared to previous campaigns. He will turn 37 in September.
Everton was open to retaining the Senegalese midfielder under suitable terms but was also relaxed about his situation, anticipating a reduced role if he had stayed. The club starts its season at home against Crystal Palace on August 22, and will face Bolton Wanderers at the Toughsheet Community Stadium on Saturday, followed by Stoke City on Tuesday evening.
Gueye is reportedly considering a lucrative offer from Al-Diriyah in the Saudi league.
Source: nytimes.com
Freya Donnelly is the Sports Reporter at News-UK, covering tennis, cricket and athletics with seven years of reporting experience. She reported on Team GB through an Olympic cycle. She holds a degree in Sport and Media from the University of Brighton and completed an NCTJ diploma. Based in Brighton, she plays club cricket in the summer. “Listening is the most underrated skill in sports reporting.”
