Everton confirmed earlier this week that midfielder Abdoulaye Doucoure would be departing the club at the end of the campaign upon the expiration of his current contract.
The 32-year-old joined the Toffees in a £20m deal from Watford back in the summer of 2020, emerging as a key player for the first team in recent years at Goodison Park.
The Malian has registered 21 goals and 15 assists in his 167 appearances for the club, being replaced by Carlos Alcaraz in his final appearance on Merseyside last weekend.
Abdoulaye-Doucoure (2)
He’s already had keen interest from multiple teams in the Middle East, along with Roma and Leeds United, leaving a hole in the middle of David Moyes’ side as a result.
Given his pending departure, it would be a surprise to no one to see the hierarchy delve into the transfer market to replace him, with one name already emerging as a key target.
The latest on Everton’s pursuit to sign Angel Gomes
In recent days, it’s been revealed that Everton are in the race to land English midfielder Angel Gomes this summer after previously being interested in his signature.
The 24-year-old has enjoyed a successful rise throughout 2024/25, making his England debut and registering a total of 20 appearances across all competitions for Ligue 1 side Lille.
England's Angel Gomes in action
However, it was confirmed that he would be departing the French side on a free transfer at the end of the season when his deal expires, prompting interest from Moyes’ men.
It’s unclear where the former Manchester United academy graduate would want to move this summer, but given the move to the new stadium, it could prove an exciting proposition for the midfielder.
However, the club could look past a deal for Gomes this summer, subsequently handing more minutes to one player already on the books on Merseyside.
The Everton star who could be the dream Doucoure replacement
Creativity and goals have once again been a concern for Everton in 2024/25, scoring just 41 times in their 37 outings - with only the bottom three scoring fewer to date.
Everton manager David Moyes
Illiman Ndiaye sits as their top scorer on nine league goals, one clear of centre-forward Beto, with the pair the only two players in the squad to notch over five goals this campaign.
With Doucoure also leaving, it takes away another option in the final third for Moyes, with such an issue needing to be addressed ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.
The transfer market is one option, but the Scotsman could opt to put faith in youth talent, handing a senior role to 18-year-old academy graduate Harrison Armstrong.
The teenager spent the second half of the season on loan at Championship side Derby County, impressing in what was his taste of senior football in his career.
Harrison Armstrong
He made 15 appearances for the Rams, scoring a single goal - with his superb strike against Plymouth Argyle proving to be a crucial one in their hunt for survival.
His underlying stats at Pride Park during his temporary stint in the East Midlands were just as impressive, potentially catapulting him into the first ranks next campaign.
Armstrong registered a 60% dribble success rate with the Rams, completing 2.1 long balls per 90 - subsequently fitting perfectly into the current direct approach in operation on Merseyside.
He also won 72% of the tackles he entered, coming out on top in 4.7 duels per 90, highlighting his workman-like style of play, which could make him a monster hit with the supporters.
Harrison Armstrong's stats on loan at Derby County (2024/25)
Statistics (per 90)
Games played
Goals scored
Pass accuracy
Dribble success
Long balls completed
Tackle success rate
Duels won
Stats via FotMob
The youngster could follow in the same footsteps as Doucoure and offer a more advanced option in Moyes’ squad, despite provisionally being a more deep-lying player.
His performances in England’s second tier would’ve encouraged staff behind the scenes at Goodison, potentially doing enough to catapult him into the manager’s plans.
Given his age, Armstrong will need time to develop and get used to life in the Premier League, but it will only aid his development at the club - which could see him become the latest big star to emerge out of their academy.
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