Everton have already seen a number of their players declared as summer departures ahead of their deals expiring.
David Moyes has had a lot of work to do since he returned to Merseyside back in January.
The 62-year-old managed to secure Premier League football; which was the main objective set out by the Friedkins.
But the Scot was also set with the difficult task of deciding which Everton players he would like to keep around for next season.
Seamus Coleman will remain at Everton in some capacity for the 2025/26 campaign, with Moyes a huge fan of his leadership skills.
However, there are some players who will not be as fortunate.
Speaking to the media on Friday from Finch Farm, the Everton boss has admitted one of his players was offered the chance to remain at the club.
Photo by Alex Dodd - CameraSport via Getty Images
Photo by Alex Dodd – CameraSport via Getty Images
Abdoulaye Doucoure received a better offer than Everton
It has now been announced Abdoulaye Doucoure will depart Everton at the end of the season as his contract comes to an end.
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He is not the only player who will depart, with Everton also announcing the departures of the following players:
Ashley Young
Asmir Begovic
Joao Virginia
But in his pre-Newcastle United press conference, Moyes admitted the club did make an attempt to keep the Mali midfielder, Doucoure, on Merseyside.
“I think he’s been a great servant for the club,” said Moyes.
“I think he’s done a great job over many years here. We made him an offer, but he’s got a better one to go elsewhere. So, we have to live with that. We’re quite comfortable with that.
“We’re looking to rebuild and make things better. We wanted him to stay, but he’s chosen to take a better offer.”
The Friedkins could offer the midfielder a lifeline with AS Roma keen on signing Doucoure this summer.
But it does seem as if the 32-year-old has been handed an opportunity elsewhere which he feels is too good to turn down.
When Doucoure has not been available, Carlos Alcaraz has stepped in and impressed massively for the Toffees.
The Everton loanee is the Friedkins’ only signing at Everton since their takeover late last year.
Alcaraz has now approved a move to Everton on a permanent basis with a decision needing to be made on his future.
With Doucoure heading for the door, signing Alcaraz on a permanent deal feels like the natural next step for the club.
Owen Hargreaves was so impressed with Alcaraz and his display against Ipswich Town the other week as the Argentine showed just what Everton could have for next season.