Several players have left Everton this summer upon the expiry of their contracts.
David Moyes has admitted he has a big rebuild on his hands, with 12 players already departing Finch Farm.
“It’s a situation you don’t see very often,” Moyes said last month. “I’m not saying there’s not 10 or 11 players out of contract at other clubs, but we’ve got five on loan, so we’ve got to give those players back unless we’re going to buy them.
“So it’s an unprecedented situation I see when I’ve come in. Do I really want a huge overhaul? Probably not.”
Dominic Calvert-Lewin is among the departures, and he is being linked with a move to Manchester United.
Another former Everton player who has just left has secured a very surprising transfer to a Qatari side.
Everton defender Mason Holgate.
Photo by Charlotte Tattersall/Getty Images
Former Everton player Mason Holgate has just joined Al-Gharafa SC
Mason Holgate’s 10-year stay at Everton has come to an end following a loan spell at Championship outfit West Bromwich Albion.
Holgate joined the club from Barnsley in 2015 and has made 150 appearances, with his best performances coming under Carlo Ancelotti.
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Now, the 28-year-old has secured a shock transfer to Qatari side Al-Gharafa SC, who have the likes of Joselu and Yacine Brahimi in their squad.
Al-Gharafa finished third last season and qualified for the AFC Champions League Elite League stage, so Holgate joins one of the best sides in the country.
الجامايكي مايسون هولجيت يصل إلى مقر نادي الغرافة تمهيداً لانضمامه لصفوف الغرافة 🇯🇲 💛#الغرافة
Mason Holgate arrives at Al Gharafa Club ahead of joining Al Gharafa 🇯🇲 pic.twitter.com/3aN9rTST0V
— AL GHARAFA SC | نادي الغرافة (@ALGHARAFACLUB) July 12, 2025
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Abdoulaye Doucoure could join West Ham United
Holgate becomes the first player to find a new club after leaving Everton this summer, however, Abdoulaye Doucoure is receiving a lot of interest and appears to have the pick of a few clubs.
West Ham United are exploring a deal to sign Doucoure, although, it’s claimed they may need to sell before they can bring players in.
Doucoure has also been linked with a move to Saudi Arabia, with the Mali international demanding around £160,000-a-week.
Ashley Young, Asmir Begovic, Calvert-Lewin, Joao Virginia and Billy Crellin are among the other free agents yet to secure a move.