Everton head into the 2025/26 campaign full of optimism after a solid second half of last term under David Moyes.
The Toffees move into their new stadium and hopes will be high that progress can be made on the field.
In order to move the club up the Premier League table next term, Moyes must spend money this summer; that much is certain.
David-Moyes
With Profit and Sustainability regulations to abide by, the manager must balance his ins and outs strategically, which could make business more difficult.
One player who won’t be at the club next year is midfielder Abdoulaye Doucoure, who departs at the end of his contract.
Abdoulaye-Doucoure (2)
Could the Merseyside outfit be eyeing a replacement?
Everton transfer news
According to GIVEMESPORT, Everton are just one of the clubs showing interest in Valentin Atangana this summer.
The Reims starlet is also being tracked by Leeds United. West Ham United, Burnley, and Crystal Palace are also among the potential suitors for the midfielder.
valentin-atangana-reims-leeds
Due to Reims suffering relegation from Ligue 1 at the end of last term, Atangana could be available for a fee in the region of just £9m.
Given the fact Moyes might not have a financial war chest at his disposal, this sort of deal could see the club land a perfect replacement for Doucoure for a decent transfer fee.
Why Everton must sign Valentin Atangana
Doucoure spent five years at Goodison Park, making over 150 appearances for the club, contributing 35 goal involvements during that time.
At 32, he is past his peak, and freeing up his wages could give Moyes some flexibility in the transfer market this summer.
Abdoulaye Doucoure’s Everton statistics
Season
Games
Goals
Assists
2024/25
36
4
2
2023/24
35
7
3
2022/23
27
5
2
2021/22
34
2
4
2020/21
34
3
3
Via Transfermarkt
Last season, Atangana played 41 matches for Reims, although he couldn’t save the famous club from suffering relegation to the second tier.
Despite his tender years, the teenager shone over a range of metrics last season. Indeed, when compared to his peers in Ligue 1, the Frenchman ranked in the top 2% for percentage of dribblers tackled (73.7%) per 90, while also ranking in the top 10% for touches in the defensive third (3.63) and in the top 8% for aerials won (1.48) per 90.
It is evident based on these statistics that the midfielder offers excellent defensive support in the heart of the pitch, something which Everton have been missing of late.
U23 scout Antonio Mango hailed the teen sensation a few weeks ago, saying: “Defensive midfielder – Box-to-box style, great anticipation and technical ability to initiate attacks. He allows others to express themselves.”
By signing Atangana, Moyes will have someone who is able to prevent attacks and allow more creative players to thrive in the final third, knowing he is there to protect.
For just £9m, it could well be a shrewd move by the Toffees, although they will have to act swiftly to fend off the competition, and a perfect replacement for Doucoure in the middle of the park.
The next few weeks could be interesting indeed, that’s for sure.
