Abdoulaye Doucoure, David Moyes.
(Credit: Imago)
Evan Shaw
Thu 10 July 2025 7:10, UK
David Moyes won’t miss Abdoulaye Doucoure if Everton can pull off this potential masterstroke in the transfer market.
The 32-year-old recently departed the Toffees upon the expiry of his contract, bringing an end to his five-year stint on Merseyside.
Doucoure’s exit has left a significant hole for Moyes to fill in the middle of the park. The Senegal international was a crucial cog at the heart of the side during his time at Goodison, and his presence seems likely to be sorely missed.
However, an opportunity has now presented itself in the transfer market which could see the L5 outfit land the ideal replacement for their outgoing star.
Abdoulaye Doucoure Everton
Doucoure’s exit has left a hole to fill. (Credit: Imago)
John McGinn is a close comparison with Doucoure
Everton are interested in signing Aston Villa’s captain John McGinn this summer, in a bid to strengthen their midfield.
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The second city side are currently understood to be reluctant to sell the 30-year-old, but it would be a masterstroke by The Friedkin Group if they could convince the Villans to do business with them.
If the Toffees could secure McGinn’s signature, it would surely see Moyes forget all about Doucoure within a matter of weeks, given the influence that the Villa star can have on a team.
McGinn arguably has a more refined and creative element to his game, as opposed to Doucoure’s more combative and all-action style. However, the pair are a surprisingly close comparison according to statistics provided by FBref, and that should see the Scot slide seamlessly into Moyes’ side.
Doucoure has a slender advantage when it comes to the defensive side of the game, having won marginally more tackles than his counterpart in the Premier League last term. The former Watford man also made more blocks and completed more clearances.
On the other hand, McGinn is far superior when it comes to the creative side of the game.
The Villa skipper played significantly more progressive passes than the Malian and also ended the campaign with a higher pass completion percentage.
His actions on the ball also had a greater impact on his team, as he notched more shot-creating actions than Doucoure. These are defined by FBref as “the two offensive actions directly leading to a shot.”
John McGinn vs Abdoulaye Doucoure stats.
A comparison between McGinn and Doucoure’s stats from the 2024/25 season. (Credit: Imago, FBref)
McGinn would be a big upgrade on Doucoure for Everton
If Everton can convince McGinn to make the switch to the Hill Dickinson Stadium, it would be one of the signings of the summer in the Premier League.
The Scot has consistently churned out impressive performances over the years, and he is the type of player that the Toffees faithful would take to in a heartbeat.
Doucoure largely operated in a number 10 role in Moyes’ side last term, and the base of the midfield could well comprise Idrissa Gana Gueye and James Garner again next term.
With that in mind, there is no doubt that McGinn would be a sizeable upgrade to play in that specific attacking midfield role.
The Villa man carries more of a threat than Moyes‘ former star with the ball at his feet, and although Docoure has come up with some big moments over the years, he simply cannot match McGinn’s level of creativity.
TFG could unlock a whole new world of attacking possibilities at Everton if they could get McGinn through the door, as he could provide consistently high-quality service for Thierno Barry at the top of the pitch.
Throw in the added bonus that the Scot can also operate out wide or in a holding role, and he could be the man to make Moyes forget all about Doucoure.
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