Everton know they will have to replace Idrissa Gueye in the near future and a new update has outlined their plans in the January transfer window.
The Blues could potentially be without Gueye for as many as six games in January, due to his involvement at the Africa Cup of Nations with Senegal.
Not only that, but Everton also need to plan for life without the 36-year-old, with the midfielder out of contract at the Hill Dickinson Stadium at the end of this season.
Gueye signed a one-year extension during the summer, but given his age, there is every chance that the 2025/26 campaign will be his last in a Blues shirt.
Replacing him is going to be a tall order, with the Senegalese such an influential figure at the heart of Everton’s midfield across two different spells with the club, and it looks as though the Merseysiders are preparing for life without him.
Everton eyeing new midfielder in January
According to Football Insider, “both permanent and loan deals will be explored” by Everton in January, as they plan to fill the void left by Gueye with a new midfield signing.
The report also adds that the Blues “have no plans” to offer the popular midfielder a contract extension, as he gradually nears the end of his £120,000-a-week deal, which makes him Everton’s third-highest earner.
This feels like sensible thinking by Everton, with Gueye’s absence in the winter likely to leave a gap, given his ability to cover ground and bite into tackles, even at his current age.
Appearances
11
Starts
11
Minutes played
952
Goals
2
Assists
0
Tackles per game
2.0
Clearances per game
0.8
Pass completion rate
87.1%
The Blues need to be looking at a similar style of player to come in as his long-term successor, but whoever that is will have a lot to live up to, with James Garner heaping praise on him.
“He’s getting better the older he gets. He’s a calm, assuring head alongside me. I’m still pretty young and still learning the game, and he’s helped me massively.”
It remains to be seen who Everton’s choice of midfielder will be – Real Betis ace Sergi Altimira was reportedly the subject of a bid in the summer – but a permanent move makes more sense than a loan signing, in terms of bringing in a long-term option who is in and around his best years of his career.
Idrissa Gueye was "everywhere" for Everton vs Fulham, won 100% of his aerial duels