Sport nationEverton Face Major Summer Exit as Idrissa Gueye Is Targeted by Qatari Club
Everton FC are currently experiencing a turbulent period both on and off the pitch, and while Sean Dyche’s side continues to fight for Premier League survival, the club is also preparing for significant player movement in the coming months. As the Toffees continue their bid to secure their top-flight status, one player’s future has become a topic of considerable interest: Idrissa Gueye. The 35-year-old Senegalese midfielder, whose contract at Goodison Park expires next summer, is reportedly being courted by Qatari side Al-Duhail SC, a club preparing to make a “lucrative offer” to the veteran defensive midfielder.
The Current Situation at Everton
Everton’s 2024/25 season has been far from ideal. With a series of disappointing performances that have seen them struggle to break out of the relegation zone, the club’s prospects of securing Premier League safety are hanging by a thread. Dyche’s men recently drew 0-0 at home to Brentford, a match in which the visitors played with 10 men for much of the game, highlighting Everton’s ongoing inability to convert opportunities. This lack of clinical finishing has been a recurring theme throughout the season, and the Toffees are in desperate need of reinforcements.
In an effort to bolster the squad, Everton has been linked with a number of high-profile players. One of the most intriguing names on their radar is Jonathan David, the highly rated Lille striker who has made a name for himself as one of Ligue 1’s top forwards. With a goal-scoring record that includes 31 goals in 59 appearances for Canada, David has long been considered one of the best attacking talents in Europe. Meanwhile, Juventus midfielder Arthur Melo, formerly of Barcelona, is also said to be on Everton’s radar as the club attempts to secure a deal for the Brazilian, despite his controversial past with rival club Liverpool.
However, while these potential signings are generating excitement, there is also the reality that Everton may lose some key players in the near future, and one of the most notable departures could involve Gueye.
Idrissa Gueye’s Potential Move to Al-Duhail SC
According to reports from Africa Foot via Sport Witness, Al-Duhail SC is preparing to submit an offer for Gueye, who is expected to be available on a free transfer when his current contract with Everton expires at the end of the 2024/25 season. At 35 years old, Gueye’s time at Everton appears to be winding down, but his departure from Goodison Park may still be bittersweet for fans who have watched him make significant contributions over the years.
Gueye’s time at Everton has been marked by his tireless work ethic and ability to break up opposition attacks, qualities that have earned him the reputation of being one of the Premier League’s top defensive midfielders during his peak years. He first joined the Toffees in 2016 from French side Aston Villa, and since then, his performances have earned him a special place in the hearts of the Everton faithful.
This season, Gueye has made nine starts in the Premier League under Dyche, a testament to his ongoing importance to the team despite his advancing age. Dyche has publicly praised Gueye’s leadership, experience, and work ethic, which have all played a role in keeping Everton competitive, even in the midst of their struggles. The Everton manager noted after a recent 0-0 draw against Brentford:
“I thought Gana was really strong again. I’m really pleased. He set the tone. We got a nice clean sheet, and his work was important. He sees the picture quickly with the ball and without the ball, snuffing out things and then attacking and countering. It was just a very good performance for him, and it rubs off on people, with his experience and his knowledge of Everton Football Club.”
Despite his contributions, however, Gueye’s advancing years suggest that his time in English football may soon come to an end.
The Qatari Pursuit: A Lucrative Offer
The Qatari side, Al-Duhail SC, has reportedly been closely monitoring Gueye’s situation at Everton, and it seems they are prepared to make a significant financial commitment to bring him to the Middle East. According to sources, the club is preparing a “lucrative contract” to entice the midfielder away from Merseyside. The allure of a sizable wage, coupled with the opportunity to wind down his career in a less physically demanding league, could be an attractive prospect for the player.
Qatar’s domestic football scene has become a popular destination for players in the twilight of their careers, with the country’s top clubs offering competitive salaries and a more relaxed playing schedule. Players such as Xavi Hernandez, Yacine Brahimi, and more recently, former Premier League stars like James Rodríguez, have all made the move to the Qatari league. Gueye’s potential move to Al-Duhail SC would likely be motivated by a combination of financial factors and the opportunity to play in a new environment before hanging up his boots.
For Everton, losing a player of Gueye’s experience and quality would be a blow, but with his contract expiring next summer, the club has little leverage in terms of negotiating a transfer fee. If Al-Duhail’s offer is too tempting to turn down, Gueye could depart Goodison Park for a new challenge.
Gueye’s Everton Legacy
Although Gueye is no longer the force he once was, he remains an important player for Everton, especially given the club’s current struggles. The Senegalese international has been an integral part of the team’s midfield over the years, with his ability to break up opposition attacks and distribute the ball effectively earning him the nickname “Gana.” His tenacity and positional awareness have allowed him to provide a steadying presence in the heart of Everton’s midfield, particularly in high-pressure situations.
Over his time at the club, Gueye has been a constant figure in the lineup, often acting as the shield in front of the defense. His ability to snuff out dangerous situations and recover possession has made him one of the league’s most reliable defensive midfielders, and his leadership on the pitch has made him a key figure in the locker room.
Yet, despite his continued importance to the team, there is a sense that Everton’s future may lie beyond Gueye. With his contract set to expire, the Toffees will need to consider how best to replace the Senegalese stalwart. His departure will undoubtedly leave a void in the squad, but it also offers an opportunity for younger players to step up and take on more responsibility in the middle of the park.
Everton’s Financial Woes and the Future of the Club
As Everton prepares for the potential departure of Gueye, the club is also facing significant financial challenges. The club’s long-standing financial troubles have been well-documented, with ongoing concerns about Financial Fair Play regulations and the club’s ability to balance its books in the face of mounting debts.
Reports suggest that Everton’s finances are heavily dependent on the completion of the anticipated takeover by The Friedkin Group, a consortium led by Dan Friedkin, which could provide the club with the financial backing needed to push for reinforcements in the January transfer window. However, the Premier League’s profit and sustainability rules mean that any incoming players will need to be funded through player sales, which puts additional pressure on the club’s hierarchy.
In this context, the potential departure of Gueye could provide some financial relief, especially if Everton can offload him on a lucrative deal before his contract expires. While the loss of the midfielder will undoubtedly leave a gap in the squad, it may be a necessary step in the club’s broader financial strategy.
Looking Ahead: Everton’s Struggles and the Road to Recovery
With or without Gueye, Everton’s immediate future remains uncertain. Dyche’s team will continue to fight for survival in the Premier League, with the club’s poor form this season leaving them in a precarious position. While the addition of new players could provide a much-needed boost, the club must also find a way to address its long-term financial issues, which will be critical in ensuring that Everton can remain competitive in the Premier League.
For Gueye, a potential move to Qatar represents a new chapter in his storied career, one that could allow him to continue playing at a high level while securing his financial future. Everton will likely face a difficult decision in the coming months, with the prospect of losing a key player and the challenge of rebuilding their midfield for the future.
As for the club’s fans, they will undoubtedly hope that, whether or not Gueye remains at the club, Everton can find a way to turn their season around. With the January transfer window on the horizon, there is still time to make the necessary moves to secure their Premier League status and begin planning for a brighter future at Goodison Park.
Amina Umar
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