Credit: Imago

Goodison News speaking to Bryan King

Mon 10 March 2025 11:10, UK

Abdoulaye Doucouré is set to end his near five-year stay with Everton at the end of the season.

Doucouré has been a regular in David Moyes’ midfield over the past couple of months.

However, the 32-year-old’s contract with Everton expires in June, and the Toffees will not be triggering their option to extend Doucouré’s stay by another year.

While there would still be the option for Everton to negotiate a new contract with the midfielder, it looks as though this won’t be happening, with Moyes set to bring in a player of his own as a replacement.

Doucouré ‘to be replaced at Everton’

Everton’s handling of Doucouré’s contract situation demonstrates the club are already now much better run under The Friedkin Group than Farhad Moshiri.

However, if TFG are willing to let Doucouré leave for free, this could prove costly, and ex-Goodison scout Bryan King – speaking exclusively to Goodison News – has suggested that a replacement will be needed.

“It sounds like Doucouré will be moving on,” King said.

“He will be moving on. However, he has been a regular in recent months so he will need replacing. It looks as though Everton are keen to readjust.

“Doucouré is 32 years old now. It looks like it could be a summer of change at Everton. Moyes has come in, he will be preparing for the new season, and he will want the players that he wants. Therefore, he will need to get those behind the scenes working.”

Moyes will need a new midfielder at Everton

A lot of Everton players are out of contract at the end of the season.

These aren’t just squad players either, a lot of those whose deals expire this summer are first-team regulars. Therefore, it looks set to be a busy summer in terms of transfers on Merseyside.

And if Doucouré is going to leave, a replacement will definitely be needed.