Idrissa Gueye in action for Everton and David Moyes in inset

Idrissa Gueye and David MoyesImago

Everton next priority named after Idrissa Gana Gueye exit

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Published on:

25 Jul 2026, 5:40 am

Idrissa Gana Gueye has officially left Everton after weeks of speculation regarding his future.

The veteran midfielder was out of contract at Hill Dickinson Stadium since the end of June.

Gueye did have a clause in his contract that whereby a 12-month extension could be triggered if he hit a certain amount of appearances last term.

However, having failed to do so, Everton held talks over a new contract for the 36-year-old, who turns 37 in September.

It was confirmed on Friday, though, that Gueye - who had two spells at Everton - would depart the club.

Everton at least have closure on the situation regarding the Senegal international, and David Moyes' next priority has emerged.

What is next for Everton and David Moyes?

It was becoming ever apparent in the last couple of weeks that there was a very realistic reality that Gueye would depart.

Indeed, Goodison News covered reports this week that Gueye is likely to join Saudi Pro League side Al-Diriyah after leaving Everton.

The news of his departure has not really come as a surprise, so Everton will have been prepared for it.

Indeed, Liverpool Echo reporter Joe Thomas posted on X to share that Everton will now look to further strengthen in central midfield.

Everton have already signed Hayden Hackney from Middlesbrough this transfer window, and Merlin Rohl's loan was made permanent this summer.

Understand Everton interested in strengthening in central midfield amid acceptance Idrissa Gueye will not re-sign with club.

Club has signed Hayden Hackney and made Merlin Rohl permanent, as obliged to under terms of his loan, but still want to add in midfield as Gueye moves on.
— Joe Thomas (@joe_thomas18) July 24, 2026

But the Toffees are still wanting to strengthen further in the engine room before the transfer window closes.

Everton transfer plan after Hayden Hackney emerges, who could it impact?

Who could Everton look to replace Gueye with?

News of Gueye's departure will not have caught many at Everton off guard, and indeed there have been several names linked throughout the window.

Moyes is likely to want a more defensive-minded midfielder now that Gueye has reported, especially with uncertainty over the future of Tim Iroegbunam.

Parma midfielder Mandela Keita is one name that has been consistently linked with Everton, though other Premier League clubs have apparently been monitoring him.

Pape Gueye at Villarreal is another who is reportedly on Everton's radar, as Moyes looks to add reinforcement in the middle of the park.

Middlesbrough Football Club