ECHO writers consider which of the Blues’ players they would work hardest to keep at the end of the season
Everton face a period of transition this summer with a squad overhaul and stadium move on the horizon. Fifteen senior players are currently on contracts that would see them leave the club in the summer, a turnaround that offers both risk and opportunity.
Here, ECHO writers take a look at whose deal they would most like to see renewed out of the current players contracted to Everton (loanees not included, as they will be the subject of a similar article).
CHRIS BEESLEY
Among the Everton players whose current contracts are set to expire, in terms of personality, Seamus Coleman would be the player I’d work hardest to keep, but when it comes to on-the-field contribution, it would have to be Idrissa Gueye. Arriving for that fabled “sixty grand” fee, the Blues club captain is arguably the best value pound-for-pound signing in Premier League history and is now 13 games ahead of his former team-mate Tim Howard having broken the club record for appearances in the competition.
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The Republic of Ireland international is also just seven matches off joining Dixie Dean and Leon Osman for a place in Everton’s all-time appearance top 10, but given that’s more outings than he’s actually managed this term (four), the right-back who turns 37 in October is struggling to keep fit these days. In contrast, Gueye, who is Coleman’s junior by approximately 11 months, has played in 29 of the Blues’ 31 matches in all competitions so far in 2024/25.
Given his age and form, the Senegal international is doing more than anyone else to “play for” a new deal. There is set to be a large turnaround in personnel in David Moyes’ squad this summer but with so many new, younger faces likely to come in, midfielder Gueye could be a wise old head to build the team around.
JOE THOMAS
It’s pretty tough to disagree with what Chris says. I hope to see Coleman at the club in some capacity next season. He is a talismanic figure who has been so important to Everton during the struggles of recent seasons. Even when he has not been able to contribute on the pitch, he has made a crucial difference off it. I expect that if this was to prove his final campaign as a player he would be given the opportunity to join the coaching team – he already has his badges.
If that was to be the case then I would love for him to get an appropriate send-off. A testimonial that opened the new stadium in the summer would be perfect for a player who it has been a privilege to watch and interview over recent seasons.
Retaining the influence of Coleman in some shape or form would be great but I would also be keen to see Idrissa Gueye stay on. I’m hoping Everton will use this summer as an opportunity to bring through the next generation of its midfield, maybe based around James Garner, who has looked good under David Moyes.
That would hopefully reduce the reliance upon Gueye, who has been fantastic this season and continues to maintain his fitness and consistency at the age of 35.
Gueye and Doucoure could still have value with Everton next season, by which time the Blues will hopefully be building a young, talented squad that runs deeper than it has over recent years. Gueye would likely compete for a starting place whoever comes in, and his experience would hold value even if his importance was allowed to weaken.
MATT JONES
I must confess, I had big doubts when Everton brought Idrissa Gueye back for a second time. They’ve long been dashed.
The Senegal international has been every bit as effective in his most recent stint as he was in his first and even at the age of 35, he is surely the priority deal for the Blues to do in terms of contracts in the coming weeks.
The manner in which Gana has adapted his game has been so impressive. While he remains a physical force in terms of the ground he covers, his experience now allows him to make the most of the energy he has in the twilight of his career.
Additionally, his work on the ball – while still occasionally erratic – has become much more economical. David Moyes, who has looked to pivot to a more possession-based style in recent weeks, has tapped into that superbly.
Players can occasionally get to this point in their career and suffer a sharp decline, that does not appear to be forthcoming with Gana.
Everton will of course need to manage his minutes carefully in the coming months if he was to extend. The likes of James Garner and Tim Iroegbunam undoubtedly represent the future, and the Blues will surely invest in central midfield in the summer to provide more support.
Gueye can be a big asset for a while yet, though, and it would be fitting for one of the club’s best players of the Premier League era to play a part in their historic first season at a new home.
