‘Doucoure is definitely leaving Everton’ – fans respond to Goodison Park farewell
Jonathan Burnett
4 – 6 minutes
Everton fans are convinced they’ve seen the last of Abdoulaye Doucoure at Goodison Park after his late substitution against Southampton.
David Moyes‘ side coasted to a comfortable 2-0 victory over the Saints in the last match Everton’s men’s first-team will play at Goodison Park, ahead of their move to the new Hill Dickinson Stadium this summer.
Iliman Ndiaye was at the double for Everton with goals at the start and end of the first half; his second a fine individual effort which put any hope of a Southampton fightback to bed as Goodison was farewelled in style.
Several of Everton’s out-of-contract veterans like Seamus Coleman and Ashley Young were waved off by the home crowd for the final time at Goodison, but doubts continue to linger over other players’ futures.
Bramley-Moore Dock Everton Stadium
Everton move into their new home at Bramley-Moore Dock this summer (Credit: Imago)
Doucoure waves goodbye amid Everton contract saga
Although the departures of Asmir Begovic, Joao Virginia and the aforementioned Young have all been confirmed by Everton in recent days, Doucoure is one of several whose contractual status is in limbo.
Football Insider revealed on 12 May that Doucoure and his fellow midfielder Idrissa Gueye could yet be offered new deals to extend their spells on Merseyside, but the latter is far more likely to stay put.
Everton Statistics Southampton
2 Goals 0
2.39 xG 1.16
5 / 13 Shots on Target 2 / 6
50% Possession 50%
4 Corners 5
Everton’s 2-0 win over Southampton at Goodison Park was relatively straight-forward [Credit: FotMob]
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Doucoure wished Young well after his departure was announced, but his emotional response to being substituted against Southampton saw the Mali international receive a standing ovation at Goodison Park.
The 32-year-old’s exit in the 65th minute saw all four sides of the stadium rise to applaud him as he was replaced by Carlos Alcaraz, and several Evertonians believe it’s the last time they’ll see Doucoure in blue.
Abdoulaye Doucoure Everton
Doucoure has often been a divisive figure at Everton (Credit: Imago)
Everton fans respond to Doucoure exit – ‘thank you for your service’
Doucoure has never been a universally popular figure amid inconsistent form and a lack of cutting edge in their most creative position, but some of his actions this term have endeared him to Everton fans.
Several called for Doucoure to be given a new contract after his last-minute winner at Nottingham Forest last month, a goal which ended a six-match winless streak and kick-started a run of three victories in six.
With Doucoure’s “viaibly emotional” farewell on Sunday though, the Toffees faithful were convinced that the Malian’s exit is certain, and while some said he “goes with nothing but the best”, others added that he “embodies the grit of this club” better than most.
Lots of big hugs, waves, looking tearful, reckon that’s Doucoure off then
— David 1878 (@davidJB1878) May 18, 2025
Doucoure thank you for your service fella if that’s a goodbye 🫡
— IG 🦫 (@efcg22) May 18, 2025
Abdoulaye Doucoure visibly emotional there.
Very telling.
— Tactically Matt (@TacticallyMatt) May 18, 2025
That’s definitely a goodbye from Doucoure, thank you for everything my mate
— Adam (@Adam_EFC_1878) May 18, 2025
Gets grief. But I love Doucoure. Been huge for this club. Goes with nothing but best wishes and good luck.
— dixie (@toffee5000) May 18, 2025
Why does that feel like a goodbye from Doucoure…
— Jord Thomo (@JordThomo) May 18, 2025
I know some people don’t rate him but I hope this isn’t the last we’ve seen of Doucoure.
— Kate Schaedler (@kateschaedler) May 18, 2025
Can say a lot of things about Doucoure (and I have) but he deserved a send off like that. Scored some major goals for the team, including saving them from relegation on the final day of the 22-23 season. https://t.co/X6yZx2Nca9
— Drew McCoy (@_Drew_McCoy_) May 18, 2025
That definitely looked like Doucoure’S swansong. If it is goodbye, thank you for everything @abdoudoucoure16
— ً (@sayantan_01) May 18, 2025
I’ve always been confused by the criticism of Doucouré by some fans. I’m not sure he gets the credit he deserves for keeping this club where it belongs. I hope he comes back. Nobody works harder or embodies the grit of this club better than he does. https://t.co/B36IEKvL5o
— Blue Guerilla Movement (@mjhar
vey1878) May 18, 2025
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