Everton are slowly continuing to build their squad for the upcoming 2025-26 season with the extension of midfield cog Idrissa Gueye who was both the Men’s Player of the Season and Players’ Player of the Season last campaign.
Having just completed the one-year option tacked on to a two-year deal when he returned to the Blues from Paris St. Germain, the 35-year-old lead not just the Premier League in tackles but came out top of that category across all top five leagues in Europe.
Gana has now signed a new one-year contract with another one-year option, testament to his longevity and indefatigable motor. With David Moyes having holes to fill all over the pitch, including possibly trying to find an upgrade to James Garner to partner the Senegal international while also hunting for his eventual replacement, securing Gueye was of paramount importance for the transition year coming up.
After enjoying a four-goal outburst the previous season with a couple of winning goals against London sides Crystal Palace and Brentford, Gueye featured in a total of 40 games last season while laying on three assists on the attacking front, but playing a sterling role in shielding the defence which would go on to end the campaign tied for fourth-best in terms of goals conceded, of which 13 were conceded in the first four games and then just 31 in the remaining 34 fixtures.
Speaking after signing the paperwork to keep him on Merseyside and go into the new Hill Dickinson Stadium as one of the senior players in the squad, Gueye said -
“Everyone knows what Everton means to me and my family. After six seasons here, this club is more than just a place I play, it’s part of who I am.
“I’m proud to start my seventh year as a Blue. Last season was a strong one for me personally, and I feel ready, fresh, and more driven than ever to keep pushing.
“With our beautiful new stadium and a real sense of momentum throughout the Club, this season feels like a turning point, the chance to build something big and lasting.
“We’ve got the foundations. Now it’s up to us: players, staff, the manager, the board, and most importantly, our fans, to come together so we can raise the bar again and take Everton back to where it belongs.
“I’m fully committed to that challenge. Let’s go again. Together.”
FBL-ENG-PR-CRYSTAL PALACE-EVERTON
The importance of continuity is going to be tested in the coming weeks as the Toffees look to fill up a threadbare squad that is expected to lose players in double figures due to expiring contracts and loans ending.
Manager David Moyes added -
“We are delighted Idrissa has re-signed. His experience and his knowledge of the Club is going to be so important going forward with the introduction of lots of new players and the new stadium. Idrissa will play a big part in integrating everybody.”
Next up should be the confirmation of the signing of exciting young French forward Thierno Barry, with Everton’s pursuit of the Villarreal forward said to be close to a positive end.