Michael Kenrick 24/07/2026 13comments  |  Jump to last

Idrissa Gana Gueye has left Everton as contract talks finally went nowhere. 

Everton have officially confirmed that veteran midfielder Idrissa Gana Gueye has left the club for a second and final time following the expiration of his contract. After extensive discussions between club executives and the player's representatives in recent weeks, both parties agreed to part ways, bringing a close to the 36-year-old’s second stint on Merseyside.

The Senegal international is expected to complete a transfer to Saudi Pro League outfit Al-Diriyah on a 1-year contract with an option for a second year.

A Storied Everton Legacy

Gueye leaves Everton as one of the club’s most influential central midfielders of the modern era. Across two distinct spells, he clocked up 236 appearances, although he only managed to score 10 goals in all competitions as a result of his propensity for notoriously bad shooting.

  • First Spell (2016–2019): Joined from Aston Villa in August 2016 for £7.1M. Quickly established himself as one of the Premier League's most prolific tacklers, earning a high-profile £29M move to Paris Saint-Germain.

  • Second Spell (2022–2026): Returned to Everton in August 2022 after winning two Ligue 1 titles with PSG. Served as a key tactical anchor, featuring prominently during crucial relegation fights and remaining a reliable presence in the starting XI.

David Moyes Leads Tributes

Speaking after the official announcement, Everton manager David Moyes expressed deep gratitude for the Senegalese international’s contributions:

"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."

His tenacious tackling skills were still important to Everton last season, and it remains to be seen if Hayden Hackney will be a sufficent replacement in that area of the squad. 

 

Reader Comments (13)

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Mike Gaynes
1 Posted 24/07/2026 at 17:30:03
The Athletic confirms that Idrissa Gueye will not return to Everton.

Contract talks have ended and he is headed for Saudi Arabia.

What a magnificent man. Wishing him all the best.

Pape Gueye would be an ideal replacement in my view.
Brent Stephens
2 Posted 24/07/2026 at 18:12:38
Mike,

Well said re Gana. Loved the guy.
Edward Rogers
3 Posted 24/07/2026 at 19:03:28
Good luck Idrissa.

Thank you for everything.
Phil Roberts
4 Posted 24/07/2026 at 19:20:05
Gana - the last player born in the 1980s to start a game for Everton (West Ham away on 25th April when aged over 36½)

Seamus - last player born in the 1980s to play for Everton (Spurs away on 24th May when aged over 37½)

Thanks to both of them.
Tom Bowers
5 Posted 24/07/2026 at 19:39:20
Gana gone. I for one agree he is a little old to be doing the job Everton need and we need to move forward.
David West
6 Posted 24/07/2026 at 20:09:36
Yeah gana gone to Saudi it looks like.
I know he's aging, but his performances & consistency compared to the likes of mcneil, Alcaraz, Tim, Keane & tarks makes me think why him going and not all these ?

Now we know why we are still linked with MFs, Tim is the player who could fill that role, if only he was more consistent and took care of the ball more.
I see Garner now taking that space, and Hackney taking Garners more advanced role, hopefully creating more & scoring a few too.
Brendan McLaughlin
7 Posted 24/07/2026 at 21:44:09
Gana... gone?
Jeff Armstrong
8 Posted 24/07/2026 at 21:59:52
If Gana’s gone then so be it, would’ve liked to have given him a proper send off though, fantastic player for us over the last 8/9 years, but this is modern day football, thanks Idrissa, but we move on.
Dale Self
9 Posted 24/07/2026 at 22:27:24
I am so grateful for Gana's service to this club, I am going to forego making fun of the name of his new one.
Brendan McLaughlin
10 Posted 24/07/2026 at 22:33:27
Dale #9

"Explosive new signing announced"
Jeff Armstrong
11 Posted 24/07/2026 at 22:34:52
What’s the name of his new one Dale?
Andrew Merrick
12 Posted 24/07/2026 at 22:43:09
Some career, some player, didnt slack, kept delivering, thank you for the time you spent playing in our colours. Top man:)
Ian Bennett
13 Posted 24/07/2026 at 23:30:26
A hugely under rated player and brilliant servant.

Will miss his work rate and positivity in the dressing room.

One of the best destroyers in midfield ive seen. Not for the purists I am sure, but up there with the best of the job he does.

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