Everton’s squad will be looking very different next season, with several stars set to leave in the next transfer window.
The Friedkin Group will preside over a very hectic first summer window, with lots of players either out of contract or set to return to their parent clubs on loan.
One player who is out of contract in the summer is Abdoulaye Doucoure, who a lot has been written about over the last couple of weeks.
Doucoure doesn’t want to lower his salary to stay at Everton, and his comments last week prompted a big reaction within the fan base.
Doucoure has come in clutch for Everton over the years. But some do not feel he would be worth keeping around on the same money.
Now, there has been an interesting development regarding the Mali international.
Abdoulaye Doucoure receives proposal from Al-Shabab
It has been reported by journalist Santi Aouna, writing for Foot Mercato, that Doucoure has now received a contract proposal from the Saudi Pro League outfit Al-Shabab.
He wrote on X earlier today: “Al-Shabab have submitted a proposal contract to Abdoulaye Doucouré from Everton
“Around $4m by year. Talks ongoing for a free transfer.”
Interestingly, $4 million per year equates to around £58,000 per week, which is thought to be a lot lower than the salary Doucoure currently receives at Everton.
But since he would be joining as a free agent, perhaps Al-Shabab have the capacity to offer a large signing-on bonus.
Aouna does say that Doucoure expects more, so the likelihood is that a higher offer will need to be made.
The claim comes after it was suggested Everton are still looking to have discussion with Doucoure over his future.
Doucoure himself suggested he had proposals on the table, so perhaps this information from Aouna should come as no surprise.
Everton should move on from Doucoure
Undoubtedly, Doucoure has had some brilliant moments in an Everton shirt and made important contributions to the club staying in the Premier League.
But he’s on huge wages, and it is difficult to make a case for Everton retaining him on the same money, given he has lacked consistency in 2024/25.
It’s understandable he doesn’t want to take a salary cut to stay.
But Everton need to make smart decisions this summer, and there is a very real possibility that Doucoure – who is now 32 – will suffer a big decline soon.
It would not be good to have a player on such big money, who is not performing at a high level week in, week out.
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