Abdoulaye Doucouré confirms his imminent departure from Everton

On Sky Sports now.

He will probably get one last big payday in Saudi, good luck to him. We couldn't justify keeping him on his present terms.

Wishing you all the best for the remainder of your career.

Best wishes for the rest of his career.

Im glad he's not being offered a new deal. Time for us to move on and bring in someone younger with more quality.

And what a goal that was. The best hit of his life when the club needed it most.

Wishing him nothing but the best.

Did he give everything for the shirt? Most definitely.

Thanks for that goal against Bournemouth, Doucoure kid, and the very best of luck in whatever you do in the future👏👏💙

He was offered another contract and refused it. Now I don't know what that was, but I am betting it wouldn't have been a substantial cut. Probably only another season though.

I believe Moyes didn't see him as a regular feature in the side for the forthcoming campaign and, as it's a fair old wage he is picking up, decided the money could be spent better elsewhere, and I would have to agree.

From a footballing point of view, like Onana, I wasn'tt a fan of his. Still not. But he played for us and he will always have my support and best wishes.

On his day, he was great… but sadly too many off days. I'd worry about his commitment had he signed a deal on much reduced terms.

Thanks, Doucoure, best of luck in Saudi.

You could never knock his commitment or his engine. That is why managers will have kept picking him. We've all been there as a player and as a coach.

It is natural to turn to the Bournemouth goal but my most memorable match was away to Brighton in the same season. Edging once again towards relegation and playing against a team that few gave us a chance against.

I had only just taken my seat – well, stood in front of my seat, as no-one sits down at away matches – and he puts us 1 - 0 up after 1 minute. Then bags the second and we are 2 - 0 up on the half-hour. We win 5 - 1 against the so-called odds.

That was as important as Yeri Mina's 99th minute slide in at Wolves to give a point and then obviously Doucoure's winner at Goodison against Bournemouth.

So thank you, Abdulaye. You may not have been the best, but you worked hard and gave it everything. And you are an Evertonian now. It won't leave you.

Trusting his replacement will quickly justify the club's decision not to take up the option of extending Doucoure's contract.

Arguably one of the most limited footballers in terms of natural ability we've ever had, but the fact that we've rarely won when he wasn't playing, shows the impact he had, in the most tumultuous period of our history.

His departure will be softened, no doubt, by the £625,000 he will earn between now and then.

Pretty sure he was more skilful than Oumar Niasse, Brett Angell, Rod Belfitt, Carl Tiler, Terry Darracott… I could go on.

His quality of passing is what let him down but I'm content to remember some of the goals he scored that definitely didn't show any lack of technique.

Good luck, wherever next you go.

He was offered another contract and refused it.

Ah, just seeing that now. The Athletic. So we are to infer that he really did want a pay rise and the club offered him less?

Amazing how that became a meme months ago, if true. It sounded odd to me because players generally get paid more and more, rather than taking a pay cut, which seems to be very rare.

I will miss the Dom Pom Moments and I wish him all the luck in the world.

If the word about turning down a new contract is anywhere near correct, even if it was poor fella say 30K lower, then off he goes, shut the door behind you, no worries, no concerns, no regrets, no feelings at all really to be honest. Just go. Shite as usual in the hour or so he was on the pitch v Saints. Thanks for the odd important goal. Bye. Go and build some sandcastles in Mammon's land.

It was a nice statement recognising the fans, I am certainly grateful for what he has done – especially the Bournemouth goal. Wish him nothing but the best for the future.

Slowly but surely, Everton are releasing players and players are leaving of their own accord which has to be part of the plan for rebuilding a squad fit for the future and the new stadium. Exciting times ahead.

Yes, players do get paid more and more as they get better and better — has Doucoure improved since he came here? I don't think so.

He came had a go but he had more poor games than good ones and now I think he is on the way down so thanks for those goals and the best of luck with your future.

Thanks for the grit and passion Doucs and good luck in what you do.

No shortage of energy, some vital and spectacular goals and critical to our defensive shape even when playing as a pseudo No 10. He contributed very heavily to us staying in the Premier League, but doesn't have the ability to kick us on from here.

Out of those with question marks due to contractual position etc, it looks to me like this (unless someone can update me):

Out of contract (first team)

- Doucoure [Gone]
- Young [Gone]
- Coleman [Player coach role?]
- Gueye [Probably staying?]
- Begovic [Gone]
- Virginia [Gone]
- Calvert-Lewin [in the balance]
- Holgate [Not confirmed but surely gone]

Loaners

- Lindstrom [very unlikely to be retained]
- Broja [could be retained]
- Harrison [could be retained]
- Mangala [very unlikely to be retained]
- Alcaraz [likely to be retained but not confirmed]

Do we go with a smaller thinner squad with our luck for injuries?

I'm counting nine probably ten more likely to go. I can see Harrison getting another year (Moyes likes him; he's a Moyes-type player).

What sort of players can we bring in? Mostly low budget, I imagine, but of course the elephant in the room is we do not know what our budget will be.

Also, Robert, we might need to factor in selling one or two.

I just hope that the first team to grace Everton Stadium will be much better than the one that stumbled around the pitch in Sunday's second half. But that would not be hard, to be honest.

Nor does it bode well that Friedkin's lad chose to watch a meaningless league game in Rome on Sunday rather than hop on a plane for the last ever male first team game at The Old Lady.

Plus Doucoure looks at shlubs like Wijnaldum, Kessie and Malcolm making two and three times his salary in the Saudi League, and how could he resist wanting some of that easy money?

I think Gueye is the big unknown in that list. Arguably our player of the season and I hoped his future might have been clarified by now. Him leaving would leave a big hole.

As for Doucoure, I hope he is remembered fondly. He's probably in the Top 3 or so players responsible for keeping us up over the last few years when we were investing less in our team than most Championship teams.

His work rate and professionalism have been top notch and he is of course entitled to want one last pay day. Hopefully a move that works out okay for both parties as we aim to find a Number 10 with their best years in front of them who is a little more comfortable on the ball.

But, he did have his crazy moments, none worse than the red card and 3-match ban during the crucial run-in to the season end which culminated in that dramatic game against Crystal Palace. I believe he missed that game due to his suspension.

Did anyone see the some might say damage limitation Toffee TV interview he did?

https://youtu.be/2d60jUXCJ4M?si=MDHBY8_TfsBdfqYW

He came across really well, said he was more a 6 or 8 not a 10 but would play anywhere.

I had a feeling he was going on Sunday, from my seat we are really close to the bench and he was visibly upset when he was subbed.

Good luck, Doucs, hopefully we will give Armstrong a chance and sign Charly permanently.

His lack of awareness regarding his worth is staggering. He knows the club haven't got a pot to piss in but wants more than his £130k a week to keep the love of the club!

Let's move on and maybe change our shape a bit. Alcaraz or Ndiaye can play in the role.

Wonder how many pints Derek Knox has had given this news.

I also think his mate Gana might be joining him to be honest.

Hopefully a reset for some positions, but need to keep the younger players.

Wholly applaud the sentiment on Gana. Leading the Premier League in tackles by a wide margin, and the last time I checked, he was leading the top five European leagues as well. Irreplaceable.

Even Gueye.

Forever grateful for that goal against Bournemouth!

"Notice who is always first over to congratulate and celebrate with a team mate when another player scores?"

Now that's a challenge, Ray! I'm going to check every goal for the last three seasons. Shouldn't take me too long.

I'm pretty sure Keane's on that list as well and I expect him to move on as well. Agreed that Holgate will be gone as well. Calvert-Lewin? I expect someone will offer higher wages than we will so I expect him to move on.

Gana the only one on that list that I'd offer another one year deal to based on his performance this season.

I see where the club have issued a statement condemning the vile abuse his wife received on social media for congratulating her husband and the club, shocking.

There was a rumour alright that he was offered £40K for a year, but turned that down, so he didn't want to play at the new ground that much - who knows he might play there yet if another team offers him a better deal.

Calver-Lewin also isn't going to be offered any improved terms on his current contract, in fact it has to be a lot less in my opinion. He should head on to wherever and start fresh. Moyes reckons Beto is going to get better!

I think we will see the new owners make it quite clear this transfer window there will be no more silly contracts handed out to average players - any big money contract will be for players who will make a real difference.

A succinct and accurate comment. As you say Abdoulaye Doucoure had more poor games than good ones and, like you, I feel that situation would probably have deteriorated further in the event his contract had been renewed.

His crucial goal against Bournemouth will, arguably, be remembered realistically, for many years to come, by the vast majority of Evertonians, as preventing what would have been the catastrophe of relegation.

From a personal point of view it is very pleasing to read that the majority of posters recognise, notwithstanding Abdoulaye's limitations, his positive contribution to the club, with only the one unpleasantly negative comment to date

The lad is going, right decision but he could never be accused of not giving his all. And his goal kept us in the Premier League.

And it's 15 goals you need to check.

Is it true Herr Klopp will be managing our sister club next season?

We have finished in 13th spot which isn't too bad considering the poor run of results under Dyche.

Kudos must go firstly to the defense which so far only conceded 44 goals (better than most others) especially after conceding 13 in the first four games and then of course Moyes for steadying the ship.

A lot of work still to be done and of course the Barcodes game which Newcastle have to win to get into Champions league so we cannot expect much up there.

Oliver #55, not when he can get 4-5X that much in the Saudi league.

What are they thinking, and how much other ‘deadwood' e.g. Keane, Calvert-Lewin, Harrison, are they going to offer renewed contracts for? Onwards and upwards, not sideways please.

I wish Douc no ill will. He tried hard but wasn't good enough during most (not all) of his handsomely paid time with us. Au Revoir.

Good luck wherever you go, even Saudi.

And thanks for your irritation but that's my opinion, thank you very much, and I have a right to express it. I rarely comment on Doucoure so it's hardly worthy of the "give it a rest" jibe.

We will very quickly not miss him. Overrated. Overpaid. Decent bag of wind getting up and down the pitch but far too often to little effect.

He is on reportedly £110k per week and IMHO, the club's extension offer might be close to a 50% paycut.

Grateful for his service to the club. All the best to him getting his last big pay day of his career (where is the speed dial to Saudi?)

Amazing that he's making more than Jordan Pickford.

Always done his best, if that wasn't good enough, then blame the managers who picked him. Bet he was brilliant to have in the dressing room!

Maybe we haven't lost one of our best players, but definitely one of the best characters! We need them too!

Last Sunday’s game was a microcosm of his career with us, as attacking moves constantly broke down when the ball arrived at his feet. But, his contribution to the press was impressive and he had a goal in him.

The new offer seems low at £40k a week, but his existing contract of £130k a week was borderline criminal for such a limited player.

He is 32 so probably wants to maximise his earnings while he can, but he will only he get close to his current contract if he goes to Saudi. Tax free of course!

Gana is 36 this year so he might take a lower salary to sign a new 1 year contract.

He has been filling his boots for years with us Tony - £130K weekly - and the overall returns on the pitch have been well not worth £130K or anywhere near. Our highest paid player and our top huffer puffer. So glad that he is off the books.

I hope you're right Steve. Gana, now there's a proper player who we would miss.

But I'm surprised no-one has mentioned one of his finest Everton moments.

Standing in front of Lucifer's children at the end following Tarkowski's stunning equaliser to wind them up and cause the mayhem that resulted in their manager, coach and a player sent off. Yes, he got one himself, but it was worth it.

Paul, we need to be looking for Gana's replacement now. He is and hopefully will be very important to us next season. We should really have been looking already. I read rumours we're interested in Longstaff from Newcastle, but he's a different type of player.

"I can see Harrison getting another year (Moyes likes him; he's a Moyes-type player)."

That's what was being said about Young and Doucoure, both going.

Interesting, no decisions on loanees unless I'm wrong. End of contracts first, loans later. I think that two loanees at least will stay, Eric, and I'm thinking Harrison and Alcaraz.

Agree, Danny, but it might not be a top priority as I expect Gana to get another year. Longstaff is not a suitable replacement for Gana. Nowhere near imo.

He gives the ball away continually, awkward, and near hopeless on occasions especially when he has time to think in the ball

Also sometimes brilliant…. but kind of very organically and I'm not sure he knows himself how he does it.

Runs a lot up and down…

Move on, thanks and good luck.

This rebuild could go a lot of different ways, and when you have to bring in so many new players, it's quite exciting. It also leaves open the possibility of having to overpay, to take a chance on unproven players from lower leagues, in wanting players who don't want us back. Even Gana could decide to get paid in Saudi if we're only offering him 1 year.

But if Gana stays, if we don't bungle the Alcaraz signing, and if we keep hold of Branthwaite, then we can splurge on a winger, a right-back, and another midfielder, and things will be looking up. I still think we should wait another year to pay for a striker, whether or not Calvert-Lewin stays. Get one on loan if necessary, even Broja again.

First things first, ruin the Barcodes' season on Sunday!

"... near hopeless on occasions especially when he has time to think ... "

How did this rumour become gospel judging by the reactions of some posters on this thread?

Jeez, people are just so ready to believe anything that's thrown at them with no provenance.

On an aside, was it Doucoure's wife that was wearing the white headscarf in the players lap of the pitch on Sunday? And what was written on the back of Calvert-Lewin's wife's shirt?

£40K does seem like a 'Fuck off' note, to be honest.

It does seem like a fuck off note mate but I have to doubt whether those in charge thought "Well if he takes £40k he can stay, but let's hope he doesn't."

I'd like to think they either wanted him to stay or not, if you know what I mean.

We can only speculate but the rumour doesn't quite make sense to me unless there's still an element of "we don't know what we're doing."

Paul,

It was indeed Pauline Gueye.

He was box to box, I expect his replacement will be more Madison, Rice or McGinn like, though Moyes will take his time bedding him in.

Totally agree, Brian, mate. They would have called it a coup and pinched themselves if he signed to stay but they must have heard last week's interview where he went on the warpath for a pay hike. Where the feck did "warpath" come from?

Maybe it does show there's a little more professionalism afoot in the club.

I certainly hope so.

In saying that, at least he was always fit and match ready.

I wish him well wherever that may be!

Good post. The other factor with a large influx of new players is that it often takes time for them to gel as a team.

That's why I have always been cautious. Usually the best approach is to gradually transition, with maybe 4 additions.

With the contract situation, we aren't in that position and we will need obvious reinforcement. It might just take half a season for them to spark.

They say Guardiola has changed the way football is now played in this country, but he's also had an open check book.

My view is that, without an open check book, then you have got to find another way to play and I'd much prefer to watch fast aggressive football, rather than a team who just want to constantly keep possession.

Newcastle bullied Liverpool at Wembley. I thought Liverpool were beginning to wilt at Goodison, until Salah pulled a goal out of the bag and the common denominator in the performance of both teams was that it was built on front-foot aggression.

In my opinion, Abdoulaye, you're a deep midfield player at best. You're getting too old to be running around like a headless chicken.

Good luck, lad.

There, I saved you all from reading his waffle.

I've never felt an affinity for Doucoure at all. He's a shit footballer, useless passer of the ball ,and plays well every now and then. Occasional goals paper over his inadequacy in my view.

There's good reason he isn't getting a new deal, and that's that he isn't very good and we can do better.

Thanks for the goal that helped keep us up though. I won't miss him.

Agreed particularly on holding fire on a new striker until we build out the defense and midfield structure we need to feed him. You Minnesota United fans are exceptionally perspicacious!

Danny #101, agreed. We may experience a bumpy start to the season as Moyes integrates however many newcomers we have -- a gradual and perhaps frustrating process for sure.

It's all very well saying get rid of this and that player. You then have to find better or at least equal plus probably shelling out plenty of dough as well.

We will see which way it goes in due course but it's not a given that we will be better next season. It can go both ways obviously, but Moyes has a wise old head and, for that reason, I think we will do okay.

We need 2 or 3 new attacking players that are a notch or two in class above the standard we usually buy. It's very hard to do, as we have proved, but that's what has to happen if we are to get any success.

From a financial point of view, we have managed to lower the wages over the last 3 or 4 seasons and rightly so as we had too many over-paid players that are average to poor Premier League standard. That's why we have been fighting relegation so often along with poor recruitment and managers not up to scratch.

With Moyes, we reset. We cannot be held to ransom by players and agents.

Lastly, is it just me or does it seem too soon, with the Premier League not yet finished, for all the announcements of who's leaving and new signings that most Premier League clubs have done these last few weeks?

I know there's only one Premier League round of games remaining but the transfer window doesn't open for several weeks and there's a few finals to be played. I'm happy to know now, but it seems a little disrespectful.

We have recruited badly, which some if us said at the time, and only now can we move forward and bring in the right type of player.

We've been calling for years for some of the squad to go. Thankfully it's happened, get on with it, and don't fuck it up.

Doucoure replied: "I think if I was so ineffective I [would not] have played most of the games I've played for the club as the starter. So stop this nonsense and telling lies to people."

Mike 106, appreciate the compliment, but I don’t mingle with many MNUFC fans, because I generally get annoyed with their lack of soccer knowledge and passion for the club. It’s why I spend all my time on ToffeeWeb but couldn’t tell you what the Loon Web site would be, or if it even exists. But hey, we’re a top team this year in MLS, just destroyed Messi and company, so maybe things will change.

If ToffeeWeb are editing and censoring posts then I'm out.

What's the bloody point of having your say when it gets edited. So much for freedom of speech on ToffeeWeb. Ridiculous.

https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/abdoulaye-doucoure-hits-back-claim-31692780#ICID=Android_EchoNewsApp_AppShare

Kind of made me think he's not happy he is leaving abd thinks he deserved more though.

He's been a pretty good signing for what was it, £20 million?
I'd say one of the better ones of the last five years in all truth.

Never a technically accomplished footballer but goals are a vital commodity in football especially from midfield and we don't get enough of them.

Hopefully this summer that lack of goals from central midfield is quickly addressed.

From our point of view, his salary is a large part of the wage bill, and if we are to bring in players we'll need money for wages to do so. Obviously, there are risks with letting established talents go, whilst bringing in new unproven players.

Let's hope this gamble goes our way. And good luck to Doucoure, it would be difficult to argue that he hasn't done a good job at the club.