Idrissa Gueye exit sealed as huge transfer update emerges from Everton
Idrissa Gueye is now reportedly set to part ways with Everton in the summer transfer window.
The Senegal international already left Goodison Park once before - when he joined PSG in the summer of 2019.
However, he returned in 2022 and has been a first-team regular for the Toffees since then.
Saudi transfer on the cards for Gueye
It seems that the 35-year-old is on the verge of sealing a permanent transfer to a Saudi Pro League side this summer.
In an Africafoot interview, Taieb El Idrissi's agent, working with Roc Nation Sports, Gueye's exclusive representative, claimed that a deal is nearing completion.
He also stated that two concrete offers have been received - both have been from Saudi clubs, Al Ahly and Al Ettifaq.
| Mintues | Accurate Passes | Total Shots | Touches | Accurate Long Balls | Tackles Won | Recoveries | Ground Duels Won |
| 90 | 45/49 (92%) | 2 | 64 | 9/11 (82%) | 1/1 | 8 | 2/5 (40%) |
While his destination has not yet been decided, his summer exit from the Merseyside outfit appears set in stone.
As his contract is running out this summer, the Toffees stand to make nothing from his exit.
Everton should not have let Gueye run down his contract
Everton’s decision to let Gueye leave on a free transfer this summer reflects poor planning, especially with Saudi clubs showing interest.
As a reliable defensive midfielder, he has been a key figure in Everton’s midfield, offering tenacity and experience.
Allowing his contract to expire without securing a transfer fee squandered an opportunity to capitalise on interest from cash-rich Saudi clubs, which could have driven his price to £5-10million.
This revenue could have bolstered Everton’s transfer budget, enabling David Moyes to strengthen the first team with a younger midfielder or a goal-scoring striker to complement the move to Bramley-Moore Dock.
Losing Gueye for free also weakens squad depth at a critical time, with Everton aiming to climb the Premier League table under the Friedkin Group’s ambitious ownership.
Going forward, the Friedkin Group must prioritise proactive contract management and strategic sales to maximise player value, ensuring financial resources are available to build a competitive squad capable of challenging for European spots and avoiding such costly oversights.