David Moyes, Dan Friedkin
(Credit: Imago)
Vladimir Andrejevic
Mon 7 July 2025 19:10, UK
David Moyes is finally starting to breathe a sigh of relief at Everton.
Only a week ago, the Scotsman was staring at a depleted squad with more worries about further departures of key players than excitement at new arrivals.
However, the contract extensions signed by centre-backs Jarrad Branthwaite and Michael Keane will tick crucial boxes for Moyes, who can now focus on other vital areas of the pitch.
There is still a long way to go, but this week could not have started better for the veteran manager following the latest contract development at Everton.
Everton
Branthwaite’s contract extension was a huge milestone for Moyes (Credit: Imago)
Idrissa Gueye signs new deal with Everton
Another player Moyes was desperate to keep on Merseyside was Idrissa Gana Gueye, who has been linked with various clubs in Turkey and France.
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The defensive midfielder was instrumental to Moyes’ success last season, starting in every game since the 63-year-old returned to Merseyside.
However, the Senegal international’s contract expired at the end of June, and Gueye was expecting high wages despite approaching his 36th birthday.
This put the prospect of him signing a new contract in doubt. However, as reported by Sky Sports News (7 July), Gueye has signed a new one-year deal with Everton with the option to extend it until 2027, with Moyes “delighted”.
This will be welcomed by everyone associated with Everton, as the veteran was voted the Toffees’ Player of the Year last season for his consistently strong performances at the base of the midfield.
However, no one will be more delighted than Moyes, who trusts the former Paris Saint-Germain player and will be able to lean on his experience as Everton start their new era at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.
Moyes wise to keep familiar faces ahead of transition
It should be no surprise that the current manager with the most Premier League games under his belt is making very astute calls.
Cynics may argue that the re-signing of so many players rather indicates a lack of ambition or better options available to Everton.
However, Moyes has made a conscious decision to keep the core of the squad together ahead of a pivotal transition at the club.
Keeping Seamus Coleman at Everton, who only made five Premier League appearances, is a clear sign of Moyes’ strategy and could prove vital in helping the Toffees settle into new surroundings.
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