Everton’s midfield mainstay Abdoulaye Doucoure appears poised to leave Goodison Park at the end of the season, with no contract extension currently in the works.
As reported by TEAMtalk, the club is not engaged in talks to extend the 32-year-old’s deal, signaling that his time on Merseyside is likely to conclude this summer.
Doucoure has been a pivotal figure for Everton in recent years, playing a key role in securing the club’s Premier League survival, most memorably scoring the decisive goal against Bournemouth in 2023.
However, with his contract set to expire in June and Everton’s leadership aiming to reduce both the squad’s average age and wage bill, his exit seems unavoidable.
Currently the club’s highest earner at £130,000 per week, Doucoure’s salary has been identified as a major factor in the decision not to renew his contract. According to TEAMtalk sources, the Toffees are unwilling to activate a one-year extension on his current terms or renegotiate at a lower wage.
Alcaraz Lined Up as Doucoure’s Successor
With Doucoure’s departure all but confirmed, Everton have reportedly identified Charly Alcaraz as his replacement. The Argentine midfielder, who joined the club on loan from Flamengo in January, has made a positive impression in his limited appearances so far.
Alcaraz, 22, has been deployed in various midfield roles and even played alongside Doucoure in a wider position during Everton’s recent 1-1 draw with West Ham. However, his natural position is through the middle, where he is expected to feature moving forward.
TEAMtalk sources indicate that Everton view Alcaraz as a “ready-made replacement” for Doucoure. The club has an obligation to sign him permanently for €20 million (£16.6 million, $20.8 million) if he starts eight games this season.
Having already made six Premier League appearances, including three starts, it is highly likely that the deal will be triggered.
Middle East and European Clubs Showing Interest in Doucoure
As Everton prepare to move on, Doucoure is unlikely to be short of suitors. According to TEAMtalk, clubs from Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates have expressed strong interest in securing his services.
Al-Ettifaq, Al-Qadsiah, NEOM FC, and Shabab Al-Ahli are all reportedly keeping a close eye on the situation.
Beyond the Middle East, Doucoure also has potential options in Turkey and Germany, making his next destination an intriguing prospect.
Whether another Premier League club will enter the race remains to be seen, though given his experience and quality, it wouldn’t be surprising if an English side shows interest.
What This Means for Everton’s Midfield Rebuild
Doucoure’s impending departure marks the start of a significant squad overhaul under Everton’s new ownership, the Friedkin Group. Aiming to build a younger and financially sustainable squad, the club is making tough decisions to secure its long-term future.
While Doucoure has been a fan favorite and a consistent performer, Everton’s confidence in Alcaraz suggests they believe the transition can be seamless. With further changes expected in the summer transfer window, fans will be eager to see how the club approaches recruitment and squad development.
Our View
For Everton fans, this news will likely be met with frustration and disappointment. Abdoulaye Doucoure has been one of the club’s most reliable performers in recent years, and seeing him leave without a fight will be hard to accept.
His leadership, energy, and knack for scoring crucial goals have been invaluable, particularly during high-stakes moments like the 2023 relegation battle.
While financial constraints are understandable, allowing a player of Doucoure’s caliber to leave for free raises questions about the club’s decision-making. Is cost-cutting the primary focus, or is there genuine belief that Charly Alcaraz can immediately fill the void?
Alcaraz has shown potential, but with only a handful of Premier League appearances to his name, expecting him to replicate Doucoure’s impact straight away is a significant gamble.
At 22, Alcaraz still has much to prove, and if Everton find themselves in another relegation scrap, they may regret not retaining their experienced midfield enforcer for another season.
Additionally, the lack of a clear backup plan beyond Alcaraz is concerning. Everton’s midfield options are already thin, and unless further reinforcements arrive in the summer, the team could face a shortage of depth and experience.
David Moyes faces a daunting task in the upcoming transfer window. While parting ways with Doucoure may align with the club’s long-term strategy, the short-term repercussions could be severe.
Everton fans have every right to question whether this is the right decision, especially given Doucoure’s crucial role in their recent survival battles.