Saudi Pro League side Al Ettifaq make approach to sign Everton star Abdoulaye Doucoure – Fabrizio Romano

Sat 20 January 2024 12:54, UK

Al Ettifaq have made an approach to Everton to sign Abdoulaye Doucoure during the January transfer window, according to Fabrizio Romano.

The transfer specialist reported via his X account on Saturday (20 January) that the Saudi club have identified the Toffees’ midfielder as one of their top targets to replace Jordan Henderson after he completed his move to Ajax.

Everton continue to consider the Mali international as a key player in Sean Dyche’s system, which means that this will not be an easy deal to get over the line, but the Saudi Pro League side are keen to sign a new midfielder before the end of the window.

Al Ettifaq have also approached Doucoure’s camp as well as they look to persuade the 31-year-old to make the switch to the Middle East.

Can’t lose him

Everton are caught between a rock and a hard place during this January transfer window. On the one hand, their financial situation is incredibly poor and they need to raise funds quickly and on the other, they are in a relegation battle and cannot lose their best players.

MORE TOFFEES STORIES

Doucoure has been the shining light in what has been an otherwise dark and dingy few years at Goodison Park, popping up with a number of important goals and big moments to help the Toffees in their fight against relegation.

🚨🇸🇦 EXCLUSIVE: Al Ettifaq approach Everton to ask for Abdoulaye Doucouré as one of their top targets to replace Henderson.

Understand Saudi club also approached player’s camp.#EFC still consider Doucouré as key player — not easy but Al Ettifaq want new midfielder. pic.twitter.com/obKgSE9Q3c
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) January 20, 2024

View Tweet

It would massively dent Dyche’s side’s hopes of survival if they were to lose the 31-year-old at such a crucial stage of the season, especially when they may well be facing a second point deduction having been charged with another FFP breach.

Hopefully, Everton can fend off the interest from Al Ettifaq this month, but if they cannot, they should at least be able to earn a reasonably sizeable fee for the midfielder because of the riches in the Saudi Pro League.

In other Everton news, the Toffees are reportedly in a six-club Premier League battle for the signing of one Celtic star this January

For more Everton news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.