Season › 2024-25 › News Abdoulaye Doucoure unwilling to take salary cut to stay at Everton Anjishnu Roy 09/05/2025 109comments | Jump to last Abdoulaye Doucoure has made it clear that he will not take a salary cut to extend his contract at Everton in a recent podcast. Doucoure’s deal is set to run out at the end of the season. Instead of having his wages slashed, the 32-year-old midfielder believes he deserves a pay rise and that “maybe the chapter is finished” at Everton. “I don’t wait for them because my contract is finished and I have some offers on the table. In the next three weeks, I will make my decision. Everton is massive for me but maybe the chapter is finished. I would be happy, at the end of the day, if I leave the club,” he said on The Ben Foster Podcast. Speaking with his former Watford teammate Ben Foster, Doucoure added, "It's funny because now I hear on especially X and Instagram that Everton fans were saying: 'We’d love Doucoure to stay but he has to lower his wages' and I'm amazed. Why are they talking about my salary? To be honest, I deserve to have my salary right now. "And, to be honest, I won't reduce my salary to stay at the club because I don't think I deserve to reduce my salary. I'm playing every season, I'm scoring important goals, I'm very important for the club. No, I should have an increase. I’m only 33 years old and think I have three, four years easily in the Premier League. For me, to reduce my salary is something I will not do. I’m sorry. “I hear a lot of things about my salary and I’m like: ‘Guys I see Mo Salah or Van Dijk they have a pay rise because they are playing good. OK I’m not at that level, Everton is not at the level of Liverpool but I’m sorry, I’m playing every game for five years. There were a couple of players playing for Everton, I’m sorry, on an even higher salary and not playing as much but people always spoke about me.” Signed in 2020 from Watford, Doucoure has made 169 appearances for the Toffees in nearly five years. He has scored 21 goals and has helped the club battle relegation in recent years. He is one of 15 players, including those on loan, who are out of contract in the summer. The club opted not to trigger the option of an additional year on his contract. Reader Comments (109) Note: the following content is not moderated or vetted by the site owners at the time of submission. Comments are the responsibility of the poster. Disclaimer () Neil Lawson 1 Posted 09/05/2025 at 15:37:12 Posted on the matchday report just before this story was added.Be careful what you wish for. You will struggle to find any supporter who thinks you should stay and be paid the king's ransom you already have.All about the money. I think that you may have upset/annoyed those supporters who believed just how keen and motivated to stay with us. Not true is it? Crocodile tears. Sean Mitchell 2 Posted 09/05/2025 at 15:40:40 You've had your moments. But unfortunately, you're shite. You offer nothing. Maybe take up long-distance jogging… or jog on to Saudi. New era. Leave the Moshiri mess behind, including most of the players such as Doucoure, who are holding the club to ransom. Moshiri and the greatest ever Evertonian aren't there anymore to grant you your wish. Mihir Ambardekar 3 Posted 09/05/2025 at 15:43:16 Fair play to him. He has scored some very important goals which has helped us stay up. But for that salary, he is a very poor footballer in terms of ability and basic passing. He has been extremely poor this season despite scoring a few goals. He has lost pace as well and isn't as aggressive as he was few years back. With the new stadium, a new Everton era begins. We have to replace these players with hard working but skilful players who can impact games consistently positive. Ian Wilkins 4 Posted 09/05/2025 at 15:44:35 Everton's highest earner. Very average footballer (generous) who covers a lot of ground. Beyond 30, best running years behind him. He could have stayed on reduced salary as a squad player, but not on these terms. We can do better. Joe McMahon 5 Posted 09/05/2025 at 15:53:47 He has played his part, and some very important goals. He can't compare himself to the 2 globally known players across the park though, more shirts with their names on than any Everton player.No other club in Europe will pay him what Everton do. Saudi it is then. Kevin Molloy 6 Posted 09/05/2025 at 15:57:30 He thinks he's worth over £100k a week, aged 33? Has he proven that sort of worth in the past?Well, yes, to us he has. He's one of the very few players we've had who make a genuinely positive difference to the way we play. He's one of the very few successful purchases we've made. You've only got to compare our win ratio with him in and him out of the side. Problem for him is his best attributes are shown when we don't have the ball. And that just doesn't float people's boats. And he's 33. Sorry Doucs. He goes with our heartfelt thanks for being a top pro, but there's no way you're getting that money next season — even if compared with Mason Holgate and Michael Keane and the 20 other wasters, you've been worth your weight in gold. Ryan Holroyd 7 Posted 09/05/2025 at 15:59:04 Moyes said in his presser re Doucoure, "He's no spring chicken and we need to make sure we have younger replacements." Andy Duff 8 Posted 09/05/2025 at 16:02:26 I will forever be greatful for that goal against Bournemouth. That will go down in history. If he wants more money good luck to him, I don't see anything wrong in what he's saying it's his opinion, time to say goodbye Christy Ring 9 Posted 09/05/2025 at 16:10:19 We thank him for his contribution, and that huge goal against Bmouth, but at 33 and Looking for a contract above his £130k, wish him all the best in Saudi. Dale Self 10 Posted 09/05/2025 at 16:10:59 Alright then, that settles that. Thanks for the crucial goals mate. Kevin Naylor 11 Posted 09/05/2025 at 16:14:20 Think he should have kept his mouth shut and just said he can't agree terms. Going to leave now under a cloud. Danny O'Neill 12 Posted 09/05/2025 at 16:19:37 My favourite wasn't the Bournemouth obvious.His goal in the first minute at Brighton, followed by a second to put us 2 - 0 up en-route to a 5 - 1 win. I didn't know at the time, but a certain Alexis Mac Allistar pulled one back for the Seagulls, but we were out of sight by then and McNeil thumped home the 5th.Good luck to him, but if there was any chance of him staying at Everton, he's just talked himself out of it. He probably knew anyway. Andy Crooks 13 Posted 09/05/2025 at 16:21:26 If only, like most of them, he would realise that thought out, articulate and intelligent comments are not his strength and, just shut the fuck up. Many footballers give up a lot to make it. Unfortunately, they seem to hang on to a sense of entitlement and an utter like of awareness. Mike Allison 14 Posted 09/05/2025 at 16:31:17 I dont see any point blaming him for wanting to get paid a lot. I think Id want to get paid a lot too.I think a lot of fans dont seem to realise why managers love him so much, as hes one of the best players in the league out of possession, especially leading the press, closing down spaces and blocking passing lanes for opponents trying to build attacks.However, as others have pointed out, the actual technical side of using the football makes him look pretty mediocre. I want us to move on to more technical players like Alcaraz and NDiaye, even if it means losing a bit of the unappreciated work that Doucoure is so good at. Ray Robinson 15 Posted 09/05/2025 at 16:50:11 Thanks for the service, Abdoulaye. I will remember you with affection and gratitude and thank you for your unstinting effort and infectious enthusiasm. But if you think you are worth £130k per week at this stage in your career, it really is time to move on. Best of luck in Saudi Arabia! Forever grateful for that winner against Bournemouth, James Marshall 16 Posted 09/05/2025 at 16:58:58 I want more money in my job as well, and I already do alright.There's nothing wrong with wanting a few quid, regardless of how high your wages are - being paid £100k a week or whatever he gets, doesn't stop you wanting more. It's a consequence of living in a capitalist society.He's a footballer so he gets a lot of stick, but he's not doing anything the rest of us wouldn't in the same situation.I don't rate him as a footballer - managers like him because he runs about a lot (see Jack Harrison) Brian Williams 17 Posted 09/05/2025 at 16:59:43 He may not be willing to take a salary cut to stay at Everton but surely he'll have to to sign for another English club. I certainly can't see another Premier League club offering him £130k a week. Andrew Merrick 18 Posted 09/05/2025 at 17:52:30 A parting of the ways then.Money has certainly damaged the game, one aspect of that is the disconnect with fans, one week of his wages would be life changing for so many...A global wage cap on wages and agents commisions would be good eh? Liam Mogan 19 Posted 09/05/2025 at 18:10:06 Brian 17 - think he'll probably be looking to Saudi for a final pay day? Mike Gaynes 20 Posted 09/05/2025 at 18:29:56 That closes the door. Vaya con dios, Doucs. Thanks for the great memories.Can't really blame him. Leaving Saudi-style money on the table would be impossible for most players. And very few would swallow the loss of face attached to the kind of salary reduction that's being suggested. Martin Mason 21 Posted 09/05/2025 at 18:53:09 Mike@14 Absolutely correct and paying extra salary for an extension can sometimes be a better bet than replacement especially given how weak a squad that we have. A decision for the club though and I'm sure they will get it right. Brendan McLaughlin 22 Posted 09/05/2025 at 18:54:12 Seriously who would take a pay cut if they didn't have too?I get that the money football players are on is obscene but that isn't Abdoulaye Doucoure's fault.I wish him well. Robert Tressell 23 Posted 09/05/2025 at 18:57:06 Fair enough. I have often described him as a talentless athlete which is a bit harsh I know. He doesnt half work hard though and fair play hes made some superb contributions. Good luck getting paid a fortune Abdoulaye. Colin Glassar 24 Posted 09/05/2025 at 19:06:15 Almost a bigger PR car crash than Cashley Coles “car crash” when he was only offered 60 grand a week by Arsenal.These modern day footballers are so incredibly disconnected from the real world its hard to believe. Surrounded by money grabbing agents, wags and hangers on telling them theyre the greatest thing since jammy dodgers were invented. No wonder they live in dreamland.A man who cant pass the ball, successfully, further than 5 yards to a team mate should be on £500 p/w max. Not a penny more. Peter Mills 25 Posted 09/05/2025 at 19:28:18 I tried this tactic many years ago. I was doing a job in a shop, and asked for a few more bob, at the same time as asking for some time off. Not my smartest move in life (to be fair, I was 13).The boss said “I think you are looking to work for an hour a day, with an hour off for lunch. Off you pop”. It stuck with me. Paul Ferry 26 Posted 09/05/2025 at 19:48:45 Paper boy Dickinson's Peter? Paul Ferry 27 Posted 09/05/2025 at 19:59:03 Ray Robinson (15): ‘But if you think you are worth £130k per week … ‘But he doesnt Ray: ‘No, I should have an increase. Im only 33 years old and think I have three, four years easily in the Premier League.And hes also either a lying twat or getting bad information: ‘There were a couple of players playing for Everton, Im sorry, on an even higher salary and not playing as much.Loving the past tense.You should also learn to shut your big mouth up lad when it might be the right thing for you to do. I suspect that most Evertonians want to see the back of this £130k mediocrity who runs around a lot and scores the odd goal. But now with this stream of deluded mammon shite a good proportion of them will be thinking of you less kindly. Theres only one place you are going to Ab Lucre and you deserve each other. Keep talking in the past tense please. Peter Mills 28 Posted 09/05/2025 at 20:12:52 Bloody hell, Paul#26 - so close. Newsmag! Paul Ferry 29 Posted 09/05/2025 at 20:16:44 Ha ha Peter! Newsmag what memories. Footy in the park and cold drinks all round after. Speaking of Dickinson's, do you remember the daughter divine Lyn? A stunner that sadly also-rans like me could only look at. Scott Hamilton 30 Posted 09/05/2025 at 20:16:50 We should take Mo Salahs salary as a starting point, divide it by the number of goals hes scored and assists hes created this season, then multiply it by Doucoures own stats.I reckon hed be taking a hefty pay cut. Brendan McLaughlin 31 Posted 09/05/2025 at 20:19:34 Scott #30Sounds like VAR for players wages... Peter Mills 32 Posted 09/05/2025 at 20:22:07 Paul#29, of course I do, but I promised her I would not speak of it! Dickos is now a very pleasant bar, “Around Eight”, occasionally frequented early doors on a Friday. Brendan Fox 33 Posted 09/05/2025 at 20:23:15 Thanks Doucs for that goal against Bournemouth but sometimes somethings are just better left unsaid. You've said you think you are worth more to the club than they clearly do.Good luck finding a team willing to pay you more than the £130k per week the club have been paying for a few goals per season for a middle-distance runner with little to no creativity and poor passing range. Matt Byrne 34 Posted 09/05/2025 at 20:32:28 Close the door on your way out of Finch Farm. Three goals this season in essentially the second forward position. Think Sheedy, Steven, Kanchelskis, Speed, Arteta. This is the level we need to aspire to. Colin Glassar 35 Posted 09/05/2025 at 20:35:08 “Hes no spring chicken”. Au revoir, Duke. Scott Hamilton 36 Posted 09/05/2025 at 20:39:26 OK, here's the maths:• Salah's new contract = £400,000 per week• Combined goals and assists 2024-25 = 46 (28 goals and 18 assists)• Cost per goal/assist = £8,695.65• Doucoure's goals and assists 2024-25 = 4 (3 goals and 1 assist)• Based on Salah's contract and applying the same multiple, Doucoure should be on: £34,782.61 per week (£8,695.65 x 4)In summary, fuck you, Doucoure. Rob Halligan 37 Posted 09/05/2025 at 20:43:38 I doubt hell play tomorrow!! 😄😄 Brendan McLaughlin 38 Posted 09/05/2025 at 20:47:45 Rob #37Obviously he'll lose out to "Mo". Paul Ferry 39 Posted 09/05/2025 at 20:53:17 Always a gentleman, Peter. Round Eight, just looked it up. Not been there Peter, we'll have to raise glasses to the blues next time I'm in L23 mate. Peter Mills 40 Posted 09/05/2025 at 20:59:07 Paul, give me a shout. Jay Evans 41 Posted 09/05/2025 at 21:00:24 Goodbye and good luck.Not much more to say that hasnt already been said above …. … except one final point to add … … this gentleman was responsible for getting 3 kopites sent off at the end of the last ever Goodison derby. Count them. Not one. Not two … but three of them. That alone means he will always have my eternal thanks. Brendan McLaughlin 42 Posted 09/05/2025 at 21:13:21 Jay # 41Brilliant! Josh Horne 43 Posted 09/05/2025 at 21:16:40 Watching Doucouré play is like observing entropy in motion: inevitable, irreversible, and messy. Even if he could control a football his undignified public rant should draw an immediate line under his Everton career. Next. Dave Abrahams 44 Posted 09/05/2025 at 21:19:47 Jay (41), I think it would be have been a lot better if he had got three players sent off during the game—wasnt much use after the game was over and two of them were non players. Craig Scott 45 Posted 09/05/2025 at 21:54:32 It would appear the club as well as the fans don't believe you're worth the money you're being paid, mate. Pity for you to leave believing you should be paid even more. You lose the chance of a dignified exit. Thanks for your service. Bye Bye. Brendan McLaughlin 46 Posted 09/05/2025 at 22:04:09 Craig #45I'm sure that will haunt him for .... Ernie Baywood 47 Posted 09/05/2025 at 22:07:49 Well at least we figured out his "personal problems". He's lost the plot. If he thinks he's worth more and is prepared to stick to that then fair enough. He's not worth that at Everton but maybe someone else will pay him well.Goodbye and Good Luck. Christine Foster 48 Posted 09/05/2025 at 22:29:24 The stupidity or arrogance, he may feel he is worth a fortune but to attempt to justify it and drive it home, is arrogant. After publicly saying previously how much he loves the club and wants to stay, he shows his true colours in the podcast. He's finished at the club I would imagine because it would undermine the owners or manager if he is kept on, the message to the rest of the squad would be clear, all you have to do is negotiate via the media and they will cave in. Stupid man. Really really dumb thing to do. He may FEEL he is worth more, even try to get more in negotiation, but saying he doesn't care and will be happy to leave if he doesn't get it? Stupid man.Goodbye, don't let the door hit you on the way out. Plonker.Ps. Was any reason given for him not being in the squad last week other than personal reasons? This podcast and his unavailability related? Nicolas Piñon 49 Posted 09/05/2025 at 23:08:41 First good news: to cut his wages or free him.Second good news would be to sign Alcaraz, that would be perfect business.For once in a lifetime, surprise me, Everton! Michael Coville 50 Posted 09/05/2025 at 23:22:54 Always makes me laugh when people say that he is good when "out of possession". He is mediocre when he has the ball and so is half of the team. What we need is players who are good when they have the ball. How you can earn so much and even think that you should be paid more for running around without the ball is masterful. Si Cooper 51 Posted 09/05/2025 at 00:23:00 “You've only got to compare our win ratio with him in and him out of the side.” This old chestnut. I want to see if his positive influence is on the wane. If it is then he's not justified in wanting a new deal at the same or improved wages.“Being paid £100k a week or whatever he gets, doesn't stop you wanting more. It's a consequence of living in a capitalist society.” There is nothing inherent in capitalism that says you must be greedy. That only becomes the inevitable consequence when you remove moral values.“A stunner that sadly also-rans like me could only look at.” Hang on PF. Didn't you say that sharing a taxi to Goodison from Lime Street with Amanda Holden resulted in both of you missing the game? Are you now saying that the failure to make it to the stadium was due to an RTA and a trip to A&E?“Paying extra salary for an extension can sometimes be a better bet than replacement especially given how weak a squad that we have.” Well, perhaps, but PSR is heavily affected by wages and ‘sometimes' it may be better to redistribute the money, especially if you are actually taking steps to strengthen the squad (which you can't do simply by retaining the same lot).“Seriously who would take a pay cut if they didn't have too?” But that does happen though, doesn't it? In real life, and sometimes to footballers as well? Mike Gaynes 52 Posted 10/05/2025 at 00:23:48 Jay #41, Not to mention infuriating an entire section of RS fans to the extent that they will be frothing with rage at the mere mention of his name for many years to come. Priceless. Kieran Kinsella 53 Posted 10/05/2025 at 01:11:29 Pay him off and tell him to leave now! We got docked points, almost relegated and near bankruptcy by paying him and “a few others who earnt more” outlandish wages for a job not done. Now we have fans scrimping and saving for season tickets after Covid, Brexit, tariffs etc and he wants to be paid even more?!!!?!? Does he have no recollection of his childhood and the life of an ordinary man? He is now so out of touch all he can think of is increasing wads of cash for a mediocre try hard who gets the odd goal. Sorry but he's all that is wrong with football. Kick him out. Jon Atkinson 54 Posted 10/05/2025 at 02:24:38 Sealed his fate, I feel, with these comments. Tone-deaf footballer? Wow! Never seen that before. Bit of an enigma, got the spectacular in him and got the "What the fuck was that?" in him too. Rob Tedford 55 Posted 10/05/2025 at 02:25:25 Let's not get into the thinking that he shouldn't or hasn't been offered a new contract because of what he's said in this last interview; he's not been giving a contract because he is a god awful footballer, it's as simple at that.Never before has an athlete masqueraded as a footballer as well as he has. Billy Shears 56 Posted 10/05/2025 at 02:27:08 Greedy cunt... another waste of space!!! Paul Ferry 57 Posted 10/05/2025 at 03:40:04 Si (51): the divine Lyn, jeez I'm seeing her now, was in my pimple years and then magically the ugly duckling became a swan and I had untold power to dazzle women. Any woman Si.And when Amanda and I bumped into each other at the rank she was dazzled and she made that clear in the taxi before we crossed London Road. And then it was simply a case of asking the driver to go instead to a well-known hotel not a million miles away from our new home. It began in the lift Si ....... [left blank in respect for Amanda] ....... and ended in darkness and I had more shots on target than our beloved team. Alan J Thompson 58 Posted 10/05/2025 at 03:40:22 And he says he loves the club! Looks like there's something he loves more. Matt Traynor 59 Posted 10/05/2025 at 05:10:29 "We're athletes, it's a short career. We have to look after our families."Ultimately, they do have to look after a lot of people. Agents, managers, financial advisors. Sometimes it doesn't work out too well. Sometimes they're not exactly primed to have a career outside of football (ie, not managing, coaching, or media). A few are smart enough to do it.To be fair to Doucoure – we're only the 3rd club in his career (not counting a loan). So maybe he does have some form of affinity for us.But this ill-informed interview (on the Ben Foster Podcast) has probably put an end to whatever hopes he may have had of staying. It should also be remembered that Everton didn't take up the option to renew his contract.Therefore, if there's any announcement that he is staying, either someone's lied to us, or someone's dropped their demands.For the sake of the health of our fellow ToffeeWebber, Mr Knox, I hope he moves on. Danny O'Neill 60 Posted 10/05/2025 at 05:41:42 We should all be accustomed enough with modern football by now to know that players will demand more, especially if it is going to be the last big pay day.None of us would willingly take a pay cut in our walks of life, so that isn't an issue for me.How he has been playing is more of a concern for me if the club were considering keeping him on for another season or two.Odd that he's come out in this manner. As I said earlier, he must have known that an extension hadn't been agreed, because usually these types of things are shrouded in secrecy until an official announcement is made.Reading between the lines, salary must have been the sticking point. If so, then good on the club for holding its position.Let's see if he starts today, as he's very much been a nailed on starter most of the season. That might tell us something. Or not, it's impossible to predict the murky world of football contracts and football. Steve Brown 61 Posted 10/05/2025 at 05:50:02 Last payday in Saudi beckons.Easy decision for all parties. Sam Hoare 62 Posted 10/05/2025 at 06:31:52 Worth remembering that we don't actually know what he is paid. The websites that get used, like Spotrac, are often totally wrong and I saw one source yesterday saying his wages were actually much lower than the supposed £130k and around £75k.It's fashionable currently to bash Doucoure but last weekend kept up a long established pattern of us struggling without him. He's played the fifth most minutes in our team this season so, when he says he's important for the club, he's not wrong.It sounds like he's got offers at or above his current salary so personally I think he's more than entitled to refuse a cut. If he leaves, as seems likely, I think he deserves a fond farewell as a player who always gave everything in his almost 150 games for Everton and was instrumental in keeping us up at a time of negligible investment into the team. Danny O'Neill 63 Posted 10/05/2025 at 06:37:23 It's all complete guess work and clickbait, Sam.Okay, we know they are well paid. But like any job, there will be a base salary, likely to be lower than speculated, topped up with bonuses and benefits.In the case of a footballer, the add-ons will be win bonus, goal bonus and whatever else is built into the contract.Given the season we and Doucoure have had, I doubt he has been hitting the alleged £120k a week. And that's all it is, alleged. I don't know, none of us do. Paul Ferry 64 Posted 10/05/2025 at 06:58:41 I really want to argue with Sam's post which has a lot of Hoare 2010 in it. But it's getting late, too much dry white, reading Graham Swift's new collection Twelve Post-War Tales – you would like this, Danny – and enjoying a new recording of Korngold's Violin Concerto, and feeling generally benign with a last glass before bed, and the 8:30 alarm. Besides, I like Sam and he's 9 times out of 10 correct. Danny O'Neill 65 Posted 10/05/2025 at 07:15:01 You'll be up in time for kick-off, Paul. Do your stretches and get yourself ready.Thanks for the recommendation. I can see the audio version on Amazon. Paul Ferry 66 Posted 10/05/2025 at 07:21:21 Have a great day, Danny. I love that walk through the park after a few beers in top company. 1-2. Calvert-Lewin scores one.Marching Down the Goodison Road, Danny, which for me here means marching down the stairs and grinding some coffee beans. Eddie Dunn 67 Posted 10/05/2025 at 07:40:07 Doucoure has to look out for himself and value himself. There is nothing wrong with him wanting a pay rise.There are many very ordinary players earning very high wages at many clubs.He has worked hard and obviously has a knack of scoring the odd important goal.The perplexing thing is his poor touch and poor passing. I find it incredible that his technical skills are that bad in the Premier League.Time to move on. Mike Hayes 68 Posted 10/05/2025 at 07:41:18 Bye bye and thanks for the goals! Jimmy Carr 69 Posted 10/05/2025 at 08:02:05 Cant blame Doucoure for wanting as much money as he can get at this stage of his career, as long as were not footing the bill like. Hes scored some important goals though, just a pity hes not that good. Next up….. DCL? Andy Crooks 70 Posted 10/05/2025 at 08:12:39 I think that anyone who is underpaid for doing a shit job, that is most people, deserves a pay rise. Surely there is a stage when you have so much money that other factors come into play and when pure greed should not be your motivation.I just don't get Blues saying "Who can blame him?" Or "Who wouldn't want more?" Most footballers are working class lads who have worked hard and made wonderful lives for them and their families but, honest to God, how much does anyone need?It is fucking obscene. Ernie Baywood 71 Posted 10/05/2025 at 08:19:07 Andy, it's probably more about his employer acknowledging his worth than the need for more cash. Personally, I wouldn't want to be taken advantage of, regardless of whether I was comfortable or not. It's up to him and only him to set his worth. If he truly believes he's worth more then fair enough. It's up to Everton (or another club) to decide whether they want to pay it. Rob Jones 72 Posted 10/05/2025 at 08:57:21 A big shame, these comments. We've all had fondness for him, because of some crucial goals, his ability to wind up Kopites, and his overall endeavour.However, his goals were useful, but dried up after his injury last winter. His overall game has deteriorated; he's not a No 10, and many would argue that our attacking output has suffered from having an athlete rather than a footballer in the position.As a club, we need to step away from giving such contracts to non-saleable assets. He has to go.A shame that, because of his stupidity, it will be with some of the good will diminished. Andy Crooks 73 Posted 10/05/2025 at 08:58:52 That's an interesting point, Ernie,and certainly explains his attitude. I still find it indefensible. I guess it comes down to it meaning more to us than to the hired hands. Dave Abrahams 74 Posted 10/05/2025 at 09:33:59 Andy (70) Agree with you entirely. To me Doucoure's image of himself and his ability reminds me of one of the greatest men who I heard in my lifetime, Ghandi, who said “There is more than enough food in the world to feed the needy but not enough to feed the greedy.” That sums up people, for me, people like Doucoure who really very greedy people. Fans used to say footballers only have a short career and they need to make the most of it while they can. That doesn't apply these days with top players, whether they have the ability or not, because they make enough in 3 or 4 years to last them a lifetime and they are still healthy enough to make more n other fields. Sam Hoare 75 Posted 10/05/2025 at 11:09:42 Paul @64, ha! Hoare 2010 was a fruity vintage! Hope you're doing well. Brian Williams 76 Posted 10/05/2025 at 11:20:27 I've started to wonder whether this is a face saving exercise on Doucoure's part.Maybe he's already had the heads-up that the club isn't prepared to renew his contract at his present salary level.I certainly hope that's the case. Jeff Armstrong 77 Posted 10/05/2025 at 12:09:20 I think Doucoures omission from last weeks squad was quite telling,given his interviews this week.I think he knows the clubs stance on his future and he spat the dummy out.It will be interesting to see todays team news. Peter Moore 78 Posted 10/05/2025 at 12:10:15 Thanks for the key goals Duke, especially the exocet net smasher that was arguably the biggest, most important goal of our Premier League existence that popped the 🍒 That was a euphoric, unforgettable, magical moment of unbridled passion, relief, euphoria. For that moment alone, for me, he has been worth every penny!Had we drawn the game, relegation resulted. Our proud top flight position lost. With Moshiri at the helm with no money due to Usmanov being sanctioned by UK Govt, would we have come straight back up, or would we have gone into financial meltdown and possibly even folded.For that, I will always be thankful. It needed someone to step up and grab a goal.Douc was that man.Thanks for that Douc, and goodbye. With PSR to be properly managed in future, we can't spend fortunes on declining, ageing, limited footballers with their best days behind them. Liam Mogan 79 Posted 10/05/2025 at 12:49:35 If he can get double what we are offering, elsewhere, why would he stay?I don't think anyone would stick at their job for half the money, if they could get another job at the same or more? Why would footballers be different, just because of 'loyalty'?Football is the most double standard environment going. Players are jettisoned and forgotten about from youth level upwards without a thought. But we all jump up and down when they offend our sensibilities.His comments are inadvisable and will rile a lot of fans. But again that's double standards as some of the comments fans make about him are x-rated! Good luck to the lad. His goal kept us up and he's always given everything, despite his limitations. James Lawton 80 Posted 10/05/2025 at 13:11:28 @ Liam - 79. Agree with you entirely. Andy Crooks 81 Posted 10/05/2025 at 13:28:00 Many people stay in their job for half the money. People with commitment, integrity and a desire to do some good. Thank God not everyone is a self serving, greedy entitled fucker.Loads of kids get jettisoned and it is awful for them, dreams shattered. What has that got to do with this? Also, how can anyone defend and respect someone who sees £130 k or £75 k or whatever it is, to be not enough to stay and play. Just say those amounts out loud. "Good luck to the lad"? Fucking hell, he's had all the luck he's ever going to need. God almighty. Raymond Fox 82 Posted 10/05/2025 at 13:34:54 I'm more in line with Sams and Liams posts.We don't know what his contract was, but it seems he's had offers at least as good from elsewhere where they wont be paying a transfer fee for him.Thats another where we have let his contract run out and he's leaving for free if thats what happens.What do we do now, go out and pay good money to buy a replacement for him? Liam Mogan 83 Posted 10/05/2025 at 13:49:55 Tbf Andy 81, I've never met anyone who has stayed in their job for half the money. If you have then you must know some truly amazing people.The point on the kids getting jettisoned is about the 'loyalty'. Fans expect loyalty from players unconditionally, but players don't get it back.For me, the 'well he's on loads of money anyway the greedy so and so', just doesn't add up. That's not the way things work. Footballers get paid what they do because that's the market they work in. I don't think we should be renewing his contract anyway, but don't understand why we would expect someone to accept less than he could get elsewhere. And if he doesnt just call him a 'greedy entitled fucker'? Seems a bit harsh to me. Terry McLavey 84 Posted 10/05/2025 at 13:57:43 I'm not fussed about him staying. I think he slows the play down and gives the ball away too frequently, l know he's scored important goals, but so did Iwobi, hopefully not this weekend though!About the pay cut? he would be still earning more than anyone could learn in a lifetime.Thanks but off you go son. Brian Williams 85 Posted 10/05/2025 at 14:01:52 You can't compare "anyone in a job" with a professional footballer though.Professional footballer's are in a different world to those "normal" salaried employees and I don't mean by the difference in amounts they're paid.When us normal folk get a job the salary is agreed and there's no end date for that salary. Footballers have a finite contract and if come the end of that contract they're not at the level they once were AND they're in their early thirties then they're going to, or should, expect a renegotiation. If Doucoure thinks he deserves an increase he's way off the mark.Be interesting to see what happens! Liam Mogan 86 Posted 10/05/2025 at 14:06:32 You are 100% correct, Brian. He's renegotiating, and it sounds as if he can get more elsewhere? We wont be offering the same. Simple. Andy Crooks 87 Posted 10/05/2025 at 14:14:47 Liam, @83, reasonable response. I think I had a bit of a blood boiling moment there! John Keating 88 Posted 10/05/2025 at 14:32:57 ByeClose the door on the way out Liam Mogan 89 Posted 10/05/2025 at 14:33:36 You must have seen the team line up Andy, 87! Lee Brownlie 90 Posted 10/05/2025 at 17:51:05 'Unwilling to take a pay cut.. And even thinks he deserves a pay RISE'.. lol.. Really?Seems very much to me like we've got another Sean Dyche type situation here... Someone at Everton who has deserved [maybe... sometimes... a lot of] prais.e.. occasionally... but not nearly often enough... yet they clearly beg to differ (with pretty much everyone else!) Again, lol...After all, this is a player who can't usually pass an important ball to a team mate during an actual game, for shit. And he is also well past his 'prime'/ (When was that, again?) Yet he – honestly? – believes he's worth oh so much more than the OTT monthly salary (imo) he's already getting from us?Naah, mate. Sounds like you're fucking your own Premier League career up, to me! Or maybe that's your point or 'plan'? That you don't really believe you have much of a 'top tier' football career left, so you're having a last verbal 'throw of the dice' and crossing your fingers, lol. So, what next? Abroad to some no-mark team in a no-mark league, where you'll likely at least get silly money that's also likely to be way, waaay, more than you're actually worth? That it, to hope we do as the divvy feckers will probably do pay and pay you a good monthly chunk of also-silly money for no justifiable reason, anyway? I don't think so!Oh, and by the way... Fuck off, you greedy bastard!!! (By the way.. Please remember that we've got a great new stadium to look forward to. What we don't need are any not-at-all great old players begging at the gates for fortunes while telling us they're worth every penny!! They, you, are just not!!) Stuart Sharp 91 Posted 10/05/2025 at 19:04:46 The most frustrating player we've had for years. Never been a footballer. A hard-working runner, with some key goals, but in my opinion a poor midfielder overall who ruins more attacks than he creates. Worst passer of the ball I've seen for us in years. No footballing brain. Not sure I blame him for refusing a pay cut, but I won't miss him. Mick O'Malley 94 Posted 11/05/2025 at 12:35:58 Regarding the he "He kept us up with the goal against Bournemouth" line that gets trotted out, there were 10 other players who also done their jobs that day. One thing I'm looking forward to next season is not seeing Doucoure with his head in his hands after he ballsed up a 5-yard pass, or scuffed a shot."He works hard" is another one that gets trotted out, isn't that the bare minimum we expect of any player? I won't miss him at all, we need more from our Number 10 than a few goals and non stop running Liam Mogan 95 Posted 11/05/2025 at 12:42:58 "To be a footballer means being a privileged interpreter of the feelings and dreams of thousands of people"Cesar Luis Menotti Chris James 96 Posted 11/05/2025 at 14:46:17 I think the Duke has been a good servant to Everton for the last five years and, as he says, scored some important goals. I have absolutely no issue with him (or anyone) seeking a payrise for what could be his last major contract before his lucrative playing career comes to an end.I wouldn't hate for us to keep him, at a reasonable salary, but equally I don't think Everton should be offering many (if any) players £130K or more, certainly not at 33, when we need to lower the age of the squad.Ultimately, as much as the heart is involved, this is business and these deals are about using the head. On that basis I think it's fairly clear that after the Saints at Goodison and 'howay' to the Bar Codes we'll be saying a fond farewell to Abdoulaye. Let's give him a good send off!P.S. I understand salary was also the sticking point with DCL, but then again Newcastle didn't want to pay those wages either, so it remains to be seen if/where he'll go. Here also, I'm happy if he stays, but prepared to accept he's on his way. Raymond Fox 97 Posted 11/05/2025 at 15:06:36 Its no wonder we struggle to sign players if they read some of the posts on here.In the case of players out of contract such as Doucoure and Calvert-Lewin we don't have to go out and pay millions to buy replacements if they stay. I would keep both if the new contracts were reasonable. Dave Abrahams 98 Posted 11/05/2025 at 15:19:22 I think its incredible that he could even think hes worth a pay rise——does he ever look at play backs of the games he plays in without getting embarrassed—not sure Ive ever seen a player as poor as him receiving a pass or making one. Josh Horne 99 Posted 11/05/2025 at 20:29:20 Raymond @97, I find it highly improbable that players that we are looking to sign take into account any views expressed on ToffeeWeb. If they did, they might actually be encouraged to sign by the surprising number (to me at least) of easily satisfied who expect no more than running about a lot. More likely, they would realistically assess the likelihood of linked-up play alongside utterly abject players like Doucoure and choose to go elsewhere. Let's be clear: Everton fans are not the cause of annual relegation fights and low-quality signings. Raymond Fox 100 Posted 12/05/2025 at 16:23:20 Josh its human nature to want to know what fans think about you if your a player.Slagging players off serves no useful purpose that I can think of. Si Cooper 101 Posted 12/05/2025 at 23:13:12 PF (57), a bit too much information but I'll take your word for it. After all, she had a Les Dennis ‘phase' didn't she?Liam (various), people may have a variety of motivations for career choices and not all of them are a bottom line of more money than they will ever actually need. We can also choose which ‘influencers' impress us. Derek Thomas 102 Posted 12/05/2025 at 23:30:10 To (probably mis?) quote from 'The Castle' (if you haven't watched it - you should)...*Son reading from 'for sale' Ads; There's a guy here wants $250 for a xxxxxxxxFather; $250? He's fuckin dreaming.Likewise for Mr Doucoure.Football is money daft, this we know and baring the Saudi League, the daft money lives in the Premier !eague, but nobody else is going to match what he's on here - he's just not that good...or young enough.Half a loaf is better than none Doucs, a bird in the hand etc. Thanks for the goals mate, feel free to drop in the new place anytime you're passing.He's fuckin dreamin. Roger Helm 103 Posted 13/05/2025 at 14:36:10 I like Doucoure, hes not a skilful footballer but he works hard, scores a few goals and we seem more likely to win when he is playing. The managers keep picking him, so he must be doing something right.However, all good things come to an end. He is now too old for the type of football he plays, and too expensive for us. All the best, and enjoy your time in Saudi. Martin Mason 104 Posted 13/05/2025 at 15:01:02 I believe that Doucoure is exceptional at what he does and very few realise what this is and how we will miss him when he's gone. Our game is based on his excellent running off the ball forward to the opposition area and to the right and left in defence to provide a third defender against wing play breaking their play up on the way. In between in defence he covers the area just between and ahead of the DM's and that is why we are so good defensively. We are patently better with him than without and we have no replacement. Alcaraz and N'Diaye can't play together without a Doucoure. He is an automatic first choice with the Everton staff and for me they would be beyond insane not to try to keep him and my guess is that they are trying whatever they say. We can manage if we lose him but we will have to change our game completely from the low possession defensive model we practice now. I love him and he is not shit, he is an amazing athlete who seems to love the club as we do. Replacing him and improving will cost a lot. Paying him his wage for a year more as we transition is good money spent. Liam Mogan 105 Posted 13/05/2025 at 15:10:15 Si 101. 'Liam (various), people may have a variety of motivations for career choices and not all of them are a bottom line of more money than they will ever actually need'Tbf that's not what I said mate. I said I don't know anyone who would accept half of what they were on in the same job. I know a lot people choose their careers with money not being the bottom line. I include myself in that.'We can also choose which ‘influencers' impress us.' - I don't really understand what this means? Si Cooper 106 Posted 13/05/2025 at 19:31:24 Liam (105), youve posted many times on here where you cant seem to get your head around a player picking an option with less money.Its not the same ‘job if you arent the same player. The employers arent the same either and they have proof that the previous employers were reckless in their generosity.Some people could recognise that change in circumstances and roll with it.Its not as though hes being offered less than millions per year to play anywhere.Lets see where he ends up. It still wont be 100% proof either way, so but it will likely indicate what his ‘priority is. Josh Horne 107 Posted 13/05/2025 at 19:39:55 Everton win more with him in the team that without him, so what? Palace, Bournemouth, Brighton, Fulham, Brentford all win more than Everton without him in their team. I think it is possible. Robert Tressell 108 Posted 13/05/2025 at 19:45:44 Josh # 107, very good point! Liam Mogan 109 Posted 13/05/2025 at 19:55:11 I second that Robert - very good point Josh 107. Martin Mason 110 Posted 13/05/2025 at 20:12:07 Josh, they aren't Everton. They don't have to choose between keeping him or letting him go. Liam Mogan 111 Posted 13/05/2025 at 20:20:03 Si 106, I hope he doesn't end up at the new sttadium next season as whatever financial reward we give him, is too much.He's not getting any younger, he's extremely limited and painful to watch. I can't fault his efforts but hope that our future includes fewer and fewer players who rely on effort alone.If he does move on, I wish him health, wealth and happiness. Add Your Comments In order to post a comment, you need to be logged in as a registered user of the site. » Log in now Or Sign up as a ToffeeWeb Member — it's free, takes just a few minutes and will allow you to post your comments on articles and Talking Points submissions across the site. How to get rid of these ads and support TW © ToffeeWeb