Everton are likely to smash their wage record by offering a mouth watering deal to Abdoulaye Doucoure.
In what can be called as the best week of 2020 for an Everton fan, the Toffees have agreed to a transfer fee with Watford for Abdoulaye Doucoure, as per Liverpool Echo. The French midfielder will move to Goodison Park for £20 million with another payment of £5 million in add-ons.
Everton have really turned up the heat since the last week in the transfer window. Allan and James Rodriguez announcement is expected in the next 48 hours with Allan already undergone a medical. At the time of writing, James Rodriguez has arrived in England and is on his way to the medical. Abdoulaye Doucoure was another player widely linked with a move to Goodison Park.
Told Everton could pay Watford up to £25million, including add-ons, for Abdoulaye Doucoure. James Rodriguez medical now due to take place tomorrow. Thought it was going to be today. Deal still expected to go through after agreement reached.
— Jason Burt (@JBurtTelegraph) September 2, 2020
Initially, Watford had an asking price of £35 million but Marcel Brands’ continued efforts forced the Hornets to come to an agreement at £25 million. With the transfer fee agreed between the two clubs, Watford has given Doucoure permission to negotiate personal terms.
Previously there were reports that the Frenchman had already agreed to personal terms. There are also reports that Everton are ready to smash their wage record and offer Abdoulaye Doucoure £120,000 a week. At the moment Yerry Mina and Bernard earn £120,000 a week, making them the joint highest earners at the club.
With the Toffees open to smashing their wage record and have a third player with highest wages is an indication of how badly they want Doucoure. The Frenchman himself is keen to play under Carlo Ancelotti and has already rejected advances from Wolves and Fulham. In fact, the 27 year old has also turned down a chance to return to his homeland and is in favour of playing in the Premier League.
Is it worth making Abdoulaye Doucoure one of the highest paid players at the club? I’d say Yes. Accepted that his last season’s performances were not up to the mark but he has fared well at Vicarage Road considering the volatile environment at Watford. There have been 7 managerial changes since 2016 which never helps players settle completely with ever changing environment and style.
Despite that, Abdoulaye Doucoure has been one of the top most Watford players and is in his prime. He is the classic box-to-box midfielder who can be lethal when going forward and can boss around in the middle of the park as well. He along with Allan and James Rodriguez can infuse energy in the dead Everton midfield.