Everton should avoid offering a new contract to Abdoulaye Doucoure, as the midfielder's demands of a pay-rise risk hampering the club's long-term progress.
The Toffees are set for a new era under new owners The Friedkin Group, and there is plenty for supporters to look forward to in the near future. Boss David Moyes and his entourage are keen to make use of their fresh investment to bolster their squad ahead of their switch to the Bramley-Moore Dock stadium next season, and it is expected to be a busy summer as such.
Much of the recruitment team's work will likely go into bullet-proofing the long-term future of Everton's squad with fresh talent. With Doucoure set to be a free agent at the end of the season as things stand, Everton should see this as an ideal opportunity to replace his role in the squad, instead of offering to extend his deal.
Everton Must Part Ways with Doucoure
The Frenchman's contract is set to expire at the end of the season
Doucoure has been pocketing £120,000 per week in wages, and he is the highest-earning player in the Everton squad. Speaking on Ben Foster's podcast, the Mali international revealed that he would not be prepared to accept any reduction in his salary either, if he were to extend his stay in Merseyside. He said:
"And, to be honest, I won't reduce my salary to stay at the club because I don't think I deserve to reduce my salary. I'm playing every season, I'm scoring important goals, I'm very important for the club. No, I should have an increase. I’m only 32 years old and think I have three, four years easily in the Premier League. For me, to reduce my salary is something I will not do. I’m sorry."
Doucoure has been a regular in the Everton first-team for five seasons now, following his move from Watford in 2020. Having not missed a single game due to injury in the 2024/25 season, the 32-year-old is certainly the sort of player a manager can trust.
However, given the wages he is likely to demand in tandem with the fact that his abilities are likely to decline going forward, it does not make sense for the Everton hierarchy to renew his current deal.
Abdoulaye Doucoure's 2024/25 Premier League statistics
Appearances
Goals
Assists
Shots per 90
Key Passes per 90
GIVEMESPORT sources have revealed that the club are interested in the likes of Angel Gomes and James McAtee. These are potential youthful replacements who could develop into a crown piece for the Everton attack, and are much more appealing long-term solutions that Everton should pursue over an extension for Doucoure.
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Statistics courtesy of FBRef.com - Correct as of 18/05/2025