Contracts are going to be the big topic of discussion at Everton over the final months of the 2024/25 campaign.
Although not mathematically confirmed, David Moyes has all but secured the club’s Premier League status for another season.
Everton are set for a defining summer in the club’s history as they could enter the new campaign looking like a completely different side.
The Friedkins are ready to back Moyes in the transfer market and they will likely need to do so with so many players potentially leaving as free agents.
Numerous players could be heading for the exit on Merseyside in the coming months.
But there are a number of players who the club could still hand extended deals before the new season rolls around.
One of these players has now been handed the backing of former Everton midfielder Amadou Onana.
Amadou Onana still raves about one Everton player after joining Aston Villa
Since leaving the club, Onana has shown a lot of respect for Everton with the midfielder making a £50m move to Villa Park.
And it is apparent there is one player, in particular, who the Belgian is missing playing alongside after departing Goodison.
Speaking to Sky Sports, Onana admitted he formed such a close bond with Idrissa Gana Gueye that his mother even calls him son.
“He’s not even my best friend, he’s my older brother. My Mum even calls him son – that’s how deep it is,” said Onana.
“Since we both played at Everton together he always tried to give me advice, try to teach me stuff and he’s someone I really looked up to.
“At some points, I was at his house more than I was at mine. His wife must have been like: ‘When can I get some free time with my man!’ But I see him like an older brother.”
Everton are keen to hand Gueye a new contract before the summer, with the Senegal international one of the players potentially staying at the club.
If the Toffees are unable to secure Gueye, it is apparent what type or person and player they will be losing.
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Everton must keep Idrissa Gana Gueye as their midfield general
Gueye has played a crucial role in this Everton side with turnover alongside him with Orel Mangala suffering a serious injury earlier this year.
Keeping a player like Gueye could prove a huge boost ahead of their move into Bramley-Moore Dock this summer.
Everton are keen to sign Sean Longstaff in the summer as they look to add to their midfield options given the contract situation.
But Gueye has shown his worth this season and has even proven himself to be statistically one of the top defensive midfielders in Europe.
It would feel like a real own goal if Everton were to lose Gueye this summer.
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