Everton have won their final game at Goodison Park, beating Southampton 2-0 – and there was an intriguing reaction from Abdoulaye Doucoure when he was substituted off.
Everton were too much today for the already relegated Saints, and it was the perfect end to the Goodison Park era.
Iliman Ndiaye scored both of Everton’s goals, which came in the first half.
The game was very easy for Everton, with Jordan Pickford having very little to do on the day.
Seamus Coleman led Everton out as captain, but was sadly unable to play for too long, with an injury forcing him off. Everton fans serenaded Coleman while he was on the pitch, and gave him a standing ovation as he went off.
Coleman’s future is currently up in the air, as we don’t yet know if he’ll stay on as a player or become part of David Moyes’ coaching team.
Another player whose future is still uncertain is Abdoulaye Doucoure.
Although today, he may well have dropped a strong hint over what is to come.
Abdoulaye Doucoure waves to Everton fans during final game at Goodison Park vs Southampton
Doucoure is one of several players to be out of contract this summer.
For the past weeks and months, there has been lots of speculation as to what will happen with him.
Doucoure has said he’s open to staying at the club.
But Doucoure also said he has had proposals from other clubs in recent weeks. Apparently, Saudi Arabia could be a potential destination for Doucoure.
It’ll be fascinating to see what happens and all will become clear very soon – but Doucoure gave an interesting reaction to being substituted today against Southampton.
He made way midway through the second half and as fans clapped him off, Doucoure waved to all corners of the ground with both hands.
The Mali international also looked quite emotional, appearing to wipe tears from his eyes.
The right time for Doucoure to go
That reaction from Doucoure today certainly felt like a goodbye from Doucoure.
And if it does turn out to be that, then it’s the right decision for all parties.
Doucoure has been a brilliant servant for Everton, after joining the club from Watford back in 2020 for £20 million.
| Abdoulaye Doucoure for Everton (2020-present) |
| Appearances – 164 |
| Goals – 21 |
| Assists – 14 |
He has had many big moments in the blue shirt, and has played regularly pretty much since he arrived.
But this term Doucoure has lacked consistency and it would perhaps be a risk for Everton to extend his contract, unless the player agreed to cut his very high wages.
That said, Doucoure recently insisted he would not drop his wages to stay at Everton.
A new era is about to commence, and Everton should be looking to sign a younger successor.
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