Story by
What Idrissa Gueye's Departure Means for Everton
- Story by
- What Idrissa Gueye's Departure Means for Everton
(IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Everton recently confirmed that Idrissa Gueye has now left the club following the expiration of his contract.
The Toffees claimed earlier in the summer that they were in talks over extending the Senegalese international 's deal at the Hill Dickinson Stadium, but clearly the two parties couldn't come to an agreement.
Advertisement
Gueye first joined Everton back in 2016, joining the club from a relegated Aston Villa side. The Toffees triggered a release clause to bring him to the club, and he remained for three years before making a big move to Paris Saint-Germain .
Back in 2022, Gueye returned to Everton on the cheap, as he entered the twilights years of his career.
Despite being in his thirties, Gueye has remained as much of a key player for Everton as he was in his first spell. The Senegalese midfielder will be turning 37 in September, and it's now been agreed that he's going to be moving on.
Everton confirm Gueye departure
Everton have officially confirmed that Gueye will not be signing a new deal with the club, ending a spell of seven seasons across two spells.
Advertisement
The Toffees confirm that discussions have been ongoing over the last few weeks, but a decision has been made that Gueye will pursue a new opportunity.
Speaking on Gueye, Everton boss David Moyes shared his gratitude for his service since joining the club, wishing him well for the future.
"Everyone at Everton is hugely grateful for Gana's dedication, professionalism and influence on the pitch throughout his two spells at the Club.
"His leadership qualities in and around the dressing room proved crucial, particularly in our final season at Goodison. His commitment to the Club over many years was exceptional.
Advertisement
"Everyone connected to Everton thanks Gana – he will always be welcome at the Club – and we wish him and his family all the very best for the future."
Everton's next move
Hayden Hackney was signed earlier in the summer transfer window. A smart signing, no doubt, but he can't be considered the replacement for Gueye.
Gueye is quite a unique midfielder. Defensive in the way he looks to win the ball back and isn't a creative, goalscoring threat, but a player that often vacates his position in order to go and win the ball back.
In my mind, Everton don't need a direct replacement for Gueye. If we're to become more solid in midfield, an area where Everton often struggle out of possession, we need more of a defensive type, not a high-pressing midfielder.
Advertisement
The data on Everton's midfielders often suggests defensive. High number of tackles, duels won, etc. This can be misleading.
Everton's midfielders spend a lot of time out of possession, so naturally their defensive stats are high. They are also often vacating the defensive structure in order to try to win the ball back, which can lead to Everton being played through the middle.
If Everton want to become more defensively solid but also more progressive, they need to target a defensive midfielder who sits and protects the back four out of possession, isn't too tempted to press high and win the ball back, and is also comfortable receiving from the back four and playing progressively.
Gueye isn't the most progressive midfielder with the ball at his feet, while he struggles from a positional discipline perspective. He's great at what he does, and has been a fantastic servant, but I believe it's time for Everton to target a different profile of midfielder.
