Abdoulaye Doucoure ‘considering his options’ as Everton agree surprise transfer
Abdoulaye Doucoure will already be considering his options away from Goodison Park after Everton agreed a new transfer.
The Mali international has been a loyal servant for the Toffees since joining them from Watford in 2020, making 153 appearances across all competitions and contributing towards 30 goals.
However, the 32-year-old looks increasingly destined to end his five-year association with the Merseyside-based club this year, having entered the final five months of his contract.
And David Moyes’ side agreeing to sign Carlos Alcaraz from Flamengo in a loan-to-buy agreement [Vene Casagrande] makes it more certain than ever.
Carlos Alcaraz is Abdoulaye Doucoure replacement at Everton
Everton began the winter transfer window looking to strengthen their options in attack, with a new centre-forward and a left winger the ideal targets.
However, in a surprising turn of events, Alcaraz is set to become the Blues’ first signing of the window, with the player set to travel to Merseyside for a medical on Sunday, 2 February [Bruno Lemos].
The injury to Orel Mangala, who is now tipped to return to Lyon, may have forced the Goodison Park outfit’s hand in the market.
But, Alcaraz is not a like-for-like replacement for Mangala.
While Mangala has mostly operated in a double pivot for the Premier League side, the 22-year-old prefers playing further up the field.
Since joining Flamengo from Southampton in August, the Argentinian earned the most amount of playing time in an advanced midfield role and down the left-hand side.
In Everton’s current setup, he would be most suited to Doucoure’s position.
That, coupled with the fact that Moyes’ side have agreed to make Alcaraz’s transfer permanent after he has made eight appearances, confirms that the Malian will not put pen to paper on a new contract at Goodison Park.
In other Everton news, this Toffees ace is wanted by three clubs ahead of the transfer deadline on Monday, 3 February.
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.