Abdoulaye Doucoure transfer: Everton already identify midfield replacement
Everton have already identified a replacement for soon-to-be out-of-contract midfielder Abdoulaye Doucoure ahead of the upcoming transfer window.
The 32-year-old has been a key player at the Toffees this season, but it doesn’t look like his contract will be extended.
Doucoure’s current deal at Goodison Park expires at the end of the season, and The Friedkin Group (TFG) have decided not to trigger the one-year extension in his deal [L’Equipe].
The Mali international has been influential for David Moyes, but there’s a belief the Blues already have a replacement for him.
Carlos Alcaraz considered Doucoure replacement at Everton
Carlos Alcaraz is seen as a ready-made replacement for Doucoure at the Merseyside outfit, according to TEAMtalk.
The news outlet reports (18 March) that the Argentine midfielder is expected to stay at the Toffees after signing from Flamengo in the winter transfer window on loan with an obligation to buy.
| Competition (2024/25) | Appearances | Goals | Assists |
| Premier League | 6 | 1 | 1 |
Moyes’ team will have to pay the Brazilian outfit £16.6m if the 22-year-old starts eight games.
TFG have important decisions to make at Everton until the end of the season, with several other players out of contract soon.
Moyes will need transfer reinforcements soon
Moyes is set to take charge at Bramley Moore Dock from the start of next season and will evidently need reinforcements, something the Friedkins will arguably be working on.
The Scottish manager returned to Goodison Park after Sean Dyche was sacked and has changed the mood around the fanbase.
After underwhelming displays under the former Burnley manager, the prospect of relegation looked realistic at the Toffees, but things have turned around in the last few months.
Moyes has been effective in the Premier League, with the Blues on an eight-game unbeaten run after their 1-1 draw with West Ham on 15 March after a late goal from Jake O’Brien at Goodison Park.
The Merseyside outfit are 17 points ahead of 18th-place Ipswich Town, and it wouldn’t be surprising to see TFG already working on plans to be competitive in the English top flight next season.
Doucoure’s exit will evidently be a big blow for the Toffees, with the midfielder making several goal contributions in the current campaign.
Alcaraz has shown great potential in his initial days at Goodison Park, but the Blues will arguably need to bolster their squad further to avoid another relegation scrap next season.