Everton decide against extending Doucouré’s contract

Everton have opted against triggering the 1-year extension clause in Abdoulaye Doucoure’s contract, according to The Athletic.

Doucoure’s contract is set to expire at the end of the season, with the Toffees having a major decision to make regarding his future at the club. Everton are heading into a new era as they enter their new stadium ahead of the 2025-26 campaign, with an overhaul of the squad expected due to a host of players being out of contract.

Doucoure is one of the highest paid players and currently earns around £130k-a-week at Goodison Park but he is till able to influence games at the age of 32.  Everton may have an option to negotiate a new contract on lower wages, although such things are relatively unheard of in sport where players who can still perform can demand ever-increasing wages.

Often an erratic and enigmatic performer, Doucoure has been a key player for the Toffees at times over the last few years, scoring crucial goals to ensure Premier League survival. His strike against Bournemouth in a 1-0 victory on the final day of the campaign in May 2023 meant The Blues avoided relegation.