How Everton's Idrissa Gueye contract talks could unlock Papa Gueye transfer

Papa Gueye has been reported a potential midfield signing for Everton.

The Senegalese midfielder would follow Hayden Hackney through the door as David Moyes looks to improve his options in the centre of the pitch.

Over the last few years, Everton have had a strong Senegalese contigency in the likes of Iliman Ndiaye and Idrissa Gana Gueye.

However, the latter is currently a free agent upon the expiry of his contract. Talks are underway to keep him in L3.

But, if those talks do not result in a positive conclusion, Moyes will certainly need to bring another pair of legs through the door.

Although the experienced Gana Gueye could hold the key to a transfer in another way.

What is the status on Everton's interest in Papa Gueye?

After the arrival of Hackney, you may expect business in the middle of the park to slow down, at least as other positions are prioritised.

But a move for Gueye is a real possibility this summer transfer window.

The print edition of the Sunderland Echo has detailed that Everton's interest is "genuine" with Sunderland, Brighton and Crystal Palace all in the race as well.

Gueye is "under serious consideration" at Hill Dickinson as the Toffees look for midfield reinforcements.

The Villarreal ace, at 27 years old has the perfect blend of age and experience.

Gueye won the African Cup of Nations in 2021, and in 2025 before Senegal were stripped of that most recent title.

How Everton keeping Idrissa Gana Gueye can boost the pursuit of Papa Gueye

While Gana Gueye's exit could facilitate an opening for Gueye to join Everton, keeping him could hand the Toffees a bigger advantage.

Gueye has previously shared that playing alongside the veteran midfielder makes his life "easier" on the pitch.

Speaking back in January 2026, the Villarreal ace stated in a press conference as relayed by L'Equipe: "It's easier to play alongside him because he often says how the match is going to go. For a player like me, it's a bit easier.

"He's 36, but we tease each other all the time; he acts like he's 20, so we hope he'll continue to give us everything he does, because we need it."

So, while the Senegeal international may be viewed as a replacement for Gana Gueye, amid interest from Premier League rivals, keeping the 36-year-old could hand Everton an advantage.

The report from the French outlet also details in its headline that the two midfielders share a "close relationship."

Although Gana Gueye staying in L3 would lower Everton's need for an additional midfielder, Tim Iroegbunam's future is also up in the air.

Instead of Everton replacing one Gueye with another, they could bring the 27-year-old to Merseyside if Iroegbunam is shipped out.