Everton may have just found their Idrissa Gueye successor in his very close friend

Add as preferred source on Google

Everton chiefs have been left waiting on what Idrissa Gana Gueye is planning to do with his future.

Frustrations are already beginning to grow among supporters as Everton have not opened their account in the transfer market.

Having seen a number of faces from around the club depart as free agents, Gueye is yet to accept Everton’s contract extension offer.

As a result, Everton are considering their options in the market and they may have found their successor for Gueye in one of his Senegal teammates, Pape Gueye.

Everton showing an interest in Villarreal’s Pape Gueye

Gueye’s wife has fuelled Everton exit rumours by sharing a social media post showing her packing moving boxes

What happens with the 36-year-old on Merseyside only time will tell, but Everton are seemingly working on potential solutions in the market.

Speaking on Radio Marca, journalist Matteo Moretto has suggested that Everton are one of numerous Premier League clubs keeping tabs on Villarreal midfielder Pape Gueye.

The 27-year-old is currently playing at this summer’s World Cup with Gueye in the Senegal side.

How Pape Gueye could be the perfect Idrissa Gana Gueye replacement

At the age of 36, Gueye is undoubtedly nearing the end of his career and there are signs of this showing in his game.

The 2025/26 season actually marked the fewest number of tackles (21) the Senegal midfielder won in a league campaign over the last decade.

The Senegalese media have not been impressed with Gueye during the opening two games of this summer’s World Cup.

There is a strong case to be made that age is catching up with the Everton man, which is no shame at all, but it could prevent Everton from offering him another significant salary offer.

With Villarreal’s Gueye on the radar of Angus Kinnear and the recruitment team, the 27-year-old’s metrics are showing that he could be a long-term successor for the Everton veteran.

Pape has started both of Senegal’s games at the World Cup to date and has played a prominent role in Villarreal’s last two campaigns.

Diving into the data, it is clear to see some of the similarities the two Senegalese midfielders possess.

Clearly, there are still a number of areas in which the current Everton midfielder holds an advantage over his compatriot, but there is still time for Pape to develop.

Everton have not been impressed with Tim Iroegbunam’s passing ability, which could also see him leave the club this summer.

This is an area where Pape Gueye would offer an upgrade on Idrissa Gueye as he boasts significantly more progressive passes.

“It’s a pleasure to have Idrissa Gueye in this team, both on and off the pitch. He’s someone with a lot of experience; every time he speaks, we have to listen,” Pape said about Idrissa earlier in the year.

On the defensive front, the Villarreal man offers a fairly similar return to Gueye when it comes to duels won and possession won.

Although his ability to carry the ball could improve, Gueye may be viewed as a deep-lying midfielder who can provide solid cover in front of the defensive line.

The jury is still out on Everton’s last purchase from Villarreal – Thierno Barry – but there are clear indications as to why they may be eyeing Pape Gueye to replace Idrissa Gueye.