Moyes suggests Everton fan favourite is finished on Merseyside after what he said
Everton could lose several first-team stars in the summer as part of a huge rebuild, and they may look to reduce the average age within their squad.
David Moyes wants to stamp his own authority on the squad he inherited from Sean Dyche earlier this season, and this could see him recruit across several positions.
Everton have climbed up the Premier League table since Moyes returned, having previously feared relegation, and they will now build towards the future as they prepare to move stadium.
Moyes suggests Abdoulaye Doucoure is finished at Everton
One ageing player who faces an uncertain future is popular midfielder Abdoulaye Doucoure, who is out of contract at the end of the season.
Doucoure revealed in recent days that Everton had not made him an offer despite his desire to stay, and he indicated that he wanted a contract on improved, rather than reduced terms.
However, speaking ahead of Everton’s trip to face Fulham, Moyes hinted that Doucoure would not be staying beyond the end of the season.
| Everton 2024/25 | Appearances | Goals | Assists |
| Abdoulaye Doucouré | 33 | 4 | 1 |
“Some of the games he’s played very well but he is obviously no spring chicken, so we have to make sure we have other replacements when required,” Moyes stated of Doucoure.
“We are making lots of decisions behind the scenes. It is good to have so many [players] that want to stay.”
Everton must move on from Doucoure
Although he has been a good servant over the years, Doucoure has hit a clear level of decline as he continues to age.
The 32-year-old is starting to wane physically, and given that his strengths lie in his physicality in advanced positions, his use for Moyes will only reduce.
As one of Everton’s highest earners, it makes sense for the Toffees to part ways with Doucoure now and attempt to replace him with a younger talent.
Carlos Alcaraz looks set to stay at the club, and he is an option to replace Doucoure in his central attacking midfield role.
Doucoure’s passion made him popular at Goodison Park, but now may be the best time for both sides to move on.
The midfielder has made 163 appearances on Merseyside over the years, scoring 21 goals including a late winner away at Nottingham Forest earlier this season.