Idrissa Gueye has issued a heartfelt message to Everton supporters after joining Saudi Pro League side Diriyah Club.
Based in the northwestern outskirts of Saudi Arabia’s capital city Riyadh, Diriyah – like Neom a year ago who Abdoulaye Doucoure joined – are newly promoted to the top flight having finished third in the First Division last season and gone up via the play-offs. Their sporting director is Dougie Freedman, who previously held a similar post at Crystal Palace, while they are coached by former Ajax boss Alfred Schreuder.
Gueye, who turns 37 next month, is understood to have signed a one-year deal with an option for a second season, and writing on X, a Diriyah statement said: “Idrissa is one of ours. His experience is an asset.”
Meanwhile, the player himself took to Instagram, to tell his 2million followers: “Dear Evertonians, no need for speeches or long stories. You already know.
“A huge thank you to you all, and see you soon. True love. UTT. Once a blue, always a blue.”
Originally signing from Aston Villa in 2016 when Everton activated his £7.1million release clause, Gueye’s first spell lasted for three years before he joined Paris Saint-Germain, but he returned to Goodison Park in 2022. In total, he made 236 appearances for the Blues and scored 10 goals.
Last summer, the midfielder penned a new one-year deal with David Moyes’ men with an option for an additional 12 months, but he did not play enough games to activate that clause. On June 10 this year, Everton announced they were continuing to liaise with representatives of Gueye over his future, but they then confirmed on July 24 that he had left the club.