Everton plot move for Senegal’s World Cup hero as Serie A midfield boss also shortlisted
Everton could replace Idrissa Gana Gueye with Pape Gueye or Mandela Keita
Everton could be on the verge of a major midfield reshuffle as they prepare for life without Idrissa Gana Gueye, whose contract with the Toffees has now expired, making him officially a free agent.
Everton are set to complete their first major signing of the summer, with Middlesbrough star Hayden Hackney to undergo the first part of his medical on Wednesday after an initial £16.5million deal was struck to bring him to Merseyside.
However, Gueye’s exit will likely see Everton look to bring in a second new midfielder, unless they can convince him to stay.
The 36-year-old has been one of Everton’s most consistent performers in two spells at the club, initially from 2016 to 2019, before he joined Paris Saint-Germain, before rejoining in the summer of 2022.
There was irony in the fact that Everton never really replaced the defensive midfielder when he first left the club seven years ago, and now the club could be tasked with doing so again.
Everton had an option to extend Gueye’s contract by a further 12 months, but that clause could only be triggered if he made a certain number of Premier League starts, and he didn’t pass the threshold.
The Toffees have been keen to keep Gueye for another season, but so far have failed to agree on an extension.
Gueye has remained a crucial player for Everton and still made 25 Premier League appearances in 2025/26, starting all of those matches. He did miss a chunk of the campaign due to the Africa Cup of Nations.
With the experienced midfielder now away on international duty again with Senegal for the World Cup, it’s possible Everton could re-open talks with Gueye over a new deal once his tournament is over.