777 Partners must make quick Abdoulaye Doucoure decision as contract ticks down
777 Partners must make a quick decision on the future of Abdoulaye Doucoure as has less than one year remaining on his Everton contract.
As reported by Liverpool World (13 October), Doucoure is one of nine senior stars currently set to depart the club at the end of the season. While the majority of these potential departures are loanees like Jack Harrison and Arnaut Danjuma or fringe players like Andre Gomes and Andy Lonergan, Doucoure’s departure could have long-term effects.
Should 777’s takeover of the club be successful, they should make a quick decision on the 30-year-old’s future at the club, and they would be very smart to keep him at Goodison Park.
Per The Athletic (23 May), Everton triggered their option to extend Doucoure’s contract, meaning as it stands he will be unemployed at the end of the season. Amid their financial struggles, the Toffees have dragged their heels regarding his contract, and his suspect form under Frank Lampard saw him fall out of favour.
Fast forward to now and he is possibly the most vital part of the Everton side, providing crucial goals and performing his midfield duties exceptionally. No one in the side has been perfect this season, but Doucoure has been consistently good and instrumental in much of the Toffees’ success this season.
Should he remain on his current contract, other clubs may sniff him out for a free transfer, something Everton must avoid especially if he went to a rival side in the Premier League.
Doucoure has the most goals in the Toffees squad this season with three. He scored against Bournemouth, Sheffield United and Brentford, the only games Everton have got any points from.
He has been essential to both an attacking and defensive this season. Per FBRef, Doucoure has the most shots in the Everton squad (16), the most shots on target (10) and the most expected goals (3.1) – not bad for someone more accustomed to defensive midfield than the attack.
777 may have big plans for the squad if they complete their takeover, financial questions aside. A squad overhaul could be on the cards with many players in the team not on the level required to get Everton to the next level.
But Doucoure, with his vast Premier League experience and excellent displays this season, could be crucial in ushering in a new chapter of the club on the pitch.
In other Everton news, Dyche could add to his struggles at Goodison with the addition of a £42m man in January