Report: Midfielder set for Saudi switch with £8m wage demand on the table | OneFootball

Abdoulaye Doucoure’s Everton Exit: End of an Era and a New Path East

As Abdoulaye Doucoure prepares to draw the curtain on his Everton career, his legacy remains etched into the club’s recent history. From survival hero to midfield stalwart, the Malian’s influence at Goodison Park cannot be overstated – and now, his next act looks to be staged under the lights of Saudi Arabia.

Legacy Written in One Strike

Doucoure’s place in Everton folklore was cemented the moment he struck that decisive goal against Bournemouth in 2022/23. A single swing of the boot kept the club afloat in the Premier League. That survival moment has since become a cornerstone of the club’s present optimism – from the new Hill Dickinson Stadium on the horizon to fresh investment coursing through the club.

David Moyes didn’t hold back in his tribute:

His departure signals the end of a five-year chapter at Goodison that saw highs, lows, and moments of sheer defiance. But it’s also a reminder of the transience of football, where icons shift and allegiances change swiftly.

Middle East Beckons

According to TEAMtalk, Doucoure’s next move is likely to be a highly-lucrative switch to Saudi Arabia, with clubs such as Al-Ettifaq, Al-Qadsiah, NEOM FC and Shabab Al-Ahli all expressing interest. The demands are clear – £8 million per year, or roughly £160,000 per week. It’s a figure few outside the Gulf region could realistically entertain.

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There’s also interest from Turkey and Germany, while Leeds United are monitoring his situation. But as TEAMtalk point out, the Championship side – despite their return to the Premier League – would struggle to meet his wage expectations.

Everton’s Planning Already Underway

For Everton, the timing is as delicate as it is pivotal. Financial Fair Play continues to shape their decisions, yet their focus remains forward-thinking. The signing of Charly Alcaraz from Flamengo – initially on loan – may serve as a ready-made replacement. A £15m permanent deal is on the table, and discussions are already progressing, with his agent reportedly flying in to accelerate talks.

This marks a pragmatic approach from the club – moving swiftly to reshape the midfield even before Doucoure’s official departure.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

From an Everton supporter’s perspective, Doucoure’s departure brings mixed emotions. On one hand, there’s genuine gratitude – few will forget the Bournemouth goal, and even fewer will ignore the engine he brought to an often beleaguered midfield. On the other, the financial context cannot be overlooked.

At 32, Doucoure has earned the right to maximise his final big move. If Saudi Arabia offers life-changing money, who could blame him? That said, fans will hope that the club are learning to replace proactively, not reactively. The early move for Alcaraz suggests they may be.

Still, there’s a cultural shift at play here. It used to be that ageing stars slowly stepped down the footballing pyramid – now they’re stepping into luxury leagues in the Middle East. While some will view it as cashing in, others will see it as reward for years of service in one of the most demanding leagues in the world.

Ultimately, Everton fans should wish Doucoure well, but the focus now must turn to evolution – both in recruitment and identity – as they continue to transition into a new era.