Gueye’s Departure from Everton
Idrissa Gueye has left Everton following the conclusion of his contract, after discussions regarding a new deal did not result in an agreement. The Senegal international is expected to pursue a new opportunity elsewhere.
Sources familiar with the situation indicated that the midfielder, who is 36 years old, is likely to accept a more financially advantageous offer. In May, it was reported that Gueye had not met the required number of Premier League starts to activate a club option for an additional 12 months on his contract.
Talks concerning an extension were paused during the summer’s World Cup and resumed after Senegal’s elimination from the tournament. Gueye made 236 appearances for Everton across two periods with the club. He has been an important part of the team since rejoining from Paris Saint-Germain in 2022, contributing to the club avoiding relegation and moving into a mid-table position.
Impact and Future Plans for Everton
Everton is now exploring options for a new central midfielder. Hayden Hackney has already joined the club from Middlesbrough for an initial fee, and an obligation to buy Merlin Rohl has also been activated. The club is focusing on acquiring a physically robust player to complement their current midfield options.
The departure of Gueye means Everton will need to address a significant gap. The club previously struggled in his absence after his move to Paris Saint-Germain in 2019, eventually bringing him back three years later. Gueye was named the club’s player of the season in the 2024-25 campaign and remained a key figure in manager David Moyes’ midfield.
Despite his influence, there was a growing sense that Gueye’s impact was starting to lessen, with more signs of wear observed last season. He was also sent off in November for an incident involving teammate Michael Keane. Everton was open to retaining him under the right conditions, but a reduced role was anticipated if he had stayed.
The Merseyside club is actively searching for a defensive-minded replacement, ideally one who can provide physical presence and complement players like James Garner and Hackney. With Gueye’s wages no longer on the books, the club believes it can strengthen this area of the squad. This potential acquisition could also influence other recruitment decisions, such as the profile of a new right-back.
Everton will begin their season at home against Crystal Palace on August 22. Before that, they are scheduled to play Bolton Wanderers on Saturday and Stoke City on Tuesday evening.
Gueye’s Next Move
Reports indicate that Al-Diriyah, a team newly promoted to the Saudi Roshn League, has secured a one-season deal with Idrissa Gueye. This move comes after his contract with Everton expired, making him a free agent.
Gueye was also a target for Al-Ahli this summer, who were looking for a new midfielder. However, Al-Diriyah successfully acquired the Senegal star. Gueye’s career includes stints with Lille in the French league, Aston Villa, and Paris Saint-Germain before his return to Everton.
Last season, Gueye featured in 25 matches for Everton, scoring two goals and providing three assists. He also participated in all four of Senegal’s matches at the 2026 World Cup.
Source: nytimes.com
As Latest News UK's Sports Reporter, Hannah Whitfield reports on tennis, cricket and athletics for readers across the country. She built her name covering the county circuit and Team GB at two Commonwealth Games. She holds a degree in Sport and Media from Loughborough University and completed an NCTJ diploma. Hannah lives in Bristol, where she plays club tennis and coaches a junior side. “Sport is at its best when you let the athletes tell the story.”