Idrissa Gueye not convinced by Everton contract offer amid ‘unprecedented upheaval’
Everton are facing a busy transfer window this summer, with a number of players now confirmed to be leaving.
The Toffees have released a significant number of players, while several key loan stars have returned to their parent clubs.
That means it will be crucial for David Moyes to attract a lot of new recruits to Merseyside.
However, he is also experiencing difficulties keeping existing squad members at the club.
Gueye not content with Everton contract offer
Idrissa Gueye is one of several first-team players with days left on their contracts who remain in negotiations with Everton.
The 35-year-old, who was named Everton’s Player of the Season, has reportedly been offered a one-year contract.
However, a report by respected journalist Paul Joyce via The Times (9 June) suggests that he has no plans to sign that contract as he is holding out for a longer deal.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Seamus Coleman and Michael Keane are three other players whose contracts expire on 30 June that the club would like to keep.
A deal is on the table for Coleman, but negotiations have stalled with the other two.
Abdoulaye Doucoure, Ashley Young, Joao Virginia, Mason Holgate, Neal Maupay and Asmir Begovic are among the players set to be released when their contracts expire this month.
Everton contract situation is a mess
Everton fans will have their own opinions about who should be offered a new contract and who shouldn’t.
However, it’s hard to disagree that the club has got itself into a bit of a mess by leaving so many contract negotiations until the last moment.
The Times described the situation as an ‘unprecedented upheaval’, and that’s a fair assessment. Very rarely do Premier League clubs do away with so many senior players at once. Everton’s starting XI could look very different next season.
| Everton players whose contracts expire on 30 June | |
| Idrissa Gueye | deal offered |
| Seamus Coleman | deal offered |
| Dominic Calvert-Lewin | in negotiations |
| Michael Keane | in negotiations |
| Abdoulaye Doucoure | set to be released |
| Ashley Young | set to be released |
| Joao Virginia | set to be released |
| Mason Holgate | set to be released |
| Neal Maupay | set to be released |
| Asmir Begovic | set to be released |
When a well-run club wants to keep a player, they will tie them up to a new deal at least 18-24 months in advance of their contract expiring.
Meanwhile, Everton have procrastinated like a lazy teenager trying to cram their revision the day before an exam.
Gueye is within his rights to ask for a two-year contract, although at 35 years old, he’d do well to be offered one elsewhere. It’s understandable why the club are standing their ground on this one.
However, some more prior organisation by the board could prove useful in future.