Idrissa Gueye Departs Everton as Club Eyes Midfield Reinforcements
Idrissa Gueye has left Everton following the conclusion of his contract. Discussions regarding a new agreement did not result in a deal. Sources familiar with the situation suggest that the Senegal international is likely to pursue a more financially appealing offer from another club.
Reports from May indicated that Gueye, a former Aston Villa and Paris Saint-Germain midfielder, 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 World Cup and resumed after Senegal’s elimination in the round of 32.
Gueye made 236 appearances for Everton across two periods with the club. He has been a key component of the team since his return from PSG in 2022, contributing to their efforts to avoid relegation and advance into the mid-table positions. He was named the club’s player of the season in 2024-25 and was twice recognised as the Players’ Player of the Season. He scored 10 goals and provided 11 assists during his time with the club.
Everton manager David Moyes expressed gratitude for Gueye’s contributions. Moyes stated, “Everyone at Everton is hugely grateful for Gana’s dedication, professionalism and influence on the pitch throughout his two spells at the Club. His leadership qualities in and around the dressing room proved crucial, particularly in our final season at Goodison. His commitment to the Club over many years was exceptional.”
Squad Adjustments and Future Plans
Everton is actively seeking alternatives in the midfield, with the acquisition of a new central midfielder considered probable. Hayden Hackney has already joined from Middlesbrough for an initial £16.5 million plus bonuses earlier in the transfer window. Additionally, the obligation to buy Merlin Rohl has been triggered.
The club’s focus is expected to be on securing a physically robust player to complement their existing midfield options. The right-back position is also a priority, especially after club captain Seamus Coleman departed as a free agent and Nathan Patterson garnered interest from various European clubs.
There was a clause in Gueye’s contract for an optional year, but discussions between the club and the player reportedly broke down. With a lucrative offer from Al-Diriyah in the Saudi league, Gueye opted to leave. 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 Merseyside club is now exploring the market for a defensive-minded replacement, ideally one who can physically compete and complement players like James Garner and new signing Hackney. With Gueye’s weekly wages of around £100,000 no longer on the books, there is a belief that the club can strengthen this area of the squad.
Moyes’ preference has been for a taller, aerially dominant right-back, partly due to perceived deficiencies in other areas of the pitch, such as the midfield. A new, robust central midfielder could allow the club to pursue a different profile for the right-back position, opening up more options in another area of need. Everton is scheduled to begin their season at home against Crystal Palace on August 22.
Source: nytimes.com
Amelia Stockwell is a Sports Reporter at News GB. She covered two Commonwealth Games for a national outlet. She focuses on tennis, cricket and athletics and is known for clear, deadline-driven reporting. She holds a degree in Sport and Media from the University of York and completed an NCTJ diploma. Now based in York, she runs with a local club and follows county cricket. “The quiet stories often matter most by the end of the season.”
