Fabrizio Romano says Everton’s ‘immense’ talent is now wanted by Al-Ettifaq

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Everton’s January transfer window has been very quiet, as predicted.

The club are attending to more important matters off the pitch – like their appeal against their 10-point deduction – rather than getting players through the door.

Everton are in a position where they can only really acquire loan players and are unable to splash the cash.

Unfortunately, that doesn’t prevent clubs from coming in for their best players and several have been linked with a move away from Goodison Park.

The main culprit for those transfer rumours has been star centre-back Jarrad Branthwaite, who is reportedly being considered by Manchester United and a whole host of other clubs.

Amadou Onana, likewise, is another hugely saleable asset and he’s drawing interest from the likes of Arsenal and Newcastle.

Now, midfielder Abdoulaye Doucoure is being linked with a move to the riches of Saudi Arabia.

Abdoulaye Doucoure is wanted by Al-Ettifaq

Al-Ettifaq, who are managed by former Liverpool player Steven Gerrard, are looking to replace Jordan Henderson.

The former Reds skipper left the club after just six months in Saudi Arabia to return to Europe and join Ajax.

According to Fabrizio Romano, Doucoure is one of their top targets to replace the Englishman and an interesting narrative could now unfold.

Sean Dyche’s midfield bruiser has been exceptional for the Toffees this term and they can ill-afford to lose him.

Doucoure will have seen several European superstars get drawn towards the money offered in Saudi and it remains to be seen whether he’d swap the Premier League for improved financial gain.

Nonetheless, in a January window that has been plagued by off-field issues, Everton have to keep all of their squad together in the fight against relegation and the 31-year-old is the beating heart of that fight.

How important is Doucoure to Everton?

Doucoure is a powerful runner who possesses the intelligence to place himself in goalscoring positions.

With six goals to his name this season, placing him top of the Toffee’s scoring charts, the Malian has played a pivotal role in Everton’s resurgence.

While displaying a knack for scoring vital goals, he’s also energetic in the press alongside Dominic Calvert-Lewin, with that duo striking up a good understanding.

Once described as “immense” by commentator Rob Palmer, Doucoure has slotted in perfectly into the free role behind the striker.

At the age of 31, though, he isn’t going to be around forever and Dyche will eventually need to find a replacement for him.

Ultimately, it would be the wrong time to sell Doucoure, however, if one of the Saudi clubs were to offer ridiculous money, they would silly not take it, especially in their current depleted financial state.