Mason Holgate, David Moyes
(Credit: Imago)
Pete O'Rourke, Transfer Correspondent
Sun 13 July 2025 16:05, UK
Former Everton star Mason Holgate has taken a huge step toward closing his switch to Qatari side Al-Gharafa, sources have told Football Insider.
The defender has passed a medical at the club and has signed a two-year deal with the option of a third year.
Holgate left Everton this summer following a decade at the club after he joined from Barnsley in 2015.
During that time, the former England youth international made 150 appearances for the Toffees across all competitions, scoring five goals and registering five assists.
However, in recent years, Holgate has struggled for minutes at Everton, instead playing for the likes of West Brom, Southampton and Sheffield United on loan since January 2019.
Mason Holgate
Mason Holgate has left Everton
Mason Holgate takes major step toward Al-Gharafa move
Al-Gharafa posted a video on social media on Saturday (12 July) of Holgate arriving at the club and meeting his new teammates and staff ahead of completing a switch.
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And that move is now a whole lot closer, with Football Insider learning that Holgate has passed his medical, clearing the path for a free transfer.
Everton stats Mason Holgate
Appearances 150
Goals 5
Assists 5
Mason Holgate was at Everton for a decade
Still only 28 years old, Holgate — who now represents Jamaica at international level — joins a host of familiar names at Al-Gharafa, including Sergio Rico, Aron Gunnarsson and former Real Madrid striker Joselu.
The Cheetahs are one of Qatar’s most successful sides, winning seven league titles and a host of domestic cups, though they haven’t won the Qatar Stars League since 2010.
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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Everton pushing for big midfield move
Getting players like Holgate off the books will go a long way to reducing Everton’s wage bill.
But after failing to finish higher than 13th in any of the last four seasons, they’ll have to invest significant sums into improving their squad.
David Moyes could soon be boosted by the arrival of long-time target Wilfred Ndidi into his midfield, with Football Insider transfer correspondent Pete O’Rourke revealing the Toffees are among a host of clubs chasing the Nigeria international this summer.
“I think he will leave Leicester this summer,” he told Football Insider of the midfielder, who suffered relegation with Leicester City last season.
“Obviously, this release clause in there makes it easier for clubs to try and sign Ndidi.
“I think it could be one of the bargains of the transfer window due to that £9million release clause.
“I’m not surprised Everton have been having a look at him.
“There’s also interest from Crystal Palace, Fulham and Manchester United as well.
“There will also be interest from abroad, as Juventus are very much interested in the midfielder.”
Alongside Ndidi, Everton have also been linked with Middlesbrough youngster Hayden Hackney.
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