David Moyes is said to be looking to rely on one player at Everton a bit less next season, but there is a chance that he could leave before that happens.
Everton have been busy so far this summer, with a string of players leaving the club.
Some have departed at the end of their contracts, and others will not return to the club after loan spells.
The club remain in talks with some players over new deals, and as things currently stand, Everton have made just one signing so far, although some don’t count it.
Carlos Alcaraz has completed a permanent move to Everton, after spending the second half of last season on loan.
But Everton are edging closer to signing Kenny Tete, and there is now an expectation that that deal will soon be finalised.
There is still a big focus on the players whose contracts are expiring this week – and one of those players, is Idrissa Gana Gueye.
David Moyes wants to rely on Idrissa Gana Gueye less, but this stance could be costly
Idrissa Gueye ahead of playing for Everton.
Photo by Joe Prior/Visionhaus via Getty Images
Gueye is one of four remaining players at Everton who could potentially leave the club as a free agent.
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The Senegal international had another really strong season in 2024/25, which culminated in him winning the Player of the Season.
Gueye then recently shone with Senegal in their win over England at the City Ground. That was the first of two top displays there this year, with Alan Shearer hailing Gueye as ‘excellent’ after Everton beat Nottingham Forest 1-0 in the Premier League.
He is clearly nowhere near over the hill yet, which is why Everton are keen to extend his contract.
But the sticking point over Gueye’s proposed new contract is the length of it. Everton only want to hand him a one-year deal, whereas Gueye is said to want two.
According to the Liverpool Echo (23/06, 11am), Moyes obviously wants Gueye to stick around. But interestingly, the Scot supposedly wants to build a midfield that is less reliant on him.
Everton were said to be growing in confidence over Gueye extending, but potentially, this stance might end up seeing him leave, if he still wants to play as much as he did in 2024/25.
It’s previously been suggested that Gueye has interest from Paris FC, and also Saudi clubs.
David Moyes at the Etihad Stadium.
Photo by Rob Newell – CameraSport via Getty Images
Everton cannot lose Gueye
Everton fans are waiting nervously for the outcome of this particular situation.
It would simply be a travesty if the Toffees could not retain the veteran, who has clearly shown he still has a lot to offer.
Everton’s stance is understandable, given Gueye’s age and the potential for a decline.
The ideal scenario would be that Everton and Gueye agree a deal for a one-year contract, plus a one-year extension option, or potentially an appearance-based obligation.
Gueye was statistically the most proficient tackler in the Premier League last season (133, most of any player, via Premier League), so to lose that combativeness in the middle would be a major blow.