The Saudi Arabian football revolution lead by Public Investment Fund (PIF) is rolling on full steam as four clubs backed by the fund continue to sign big names from European football. Everton midfielder Idrissa Gueye was rumoured to be linked with one of the Saudi Arabian clubs but there has been a major update.
Saudi PIF acquired major stakes in Al Ahli, Al Nassr, Al Ittihad and Al Hilal. Since then, these four clubs have signed big names from Europe and the Premier League like Riyad Mahrez, N’Golo Kante, Allan Saint-Maximin, Ruben Neves, Kalidou Koulibaly and so many more.
Earlier in the summer, Everton winger Demarai Gray was the subject of interest from Al Hilal, who were looking to bolster their wide options. In fact, Al Hilal chiefs reportedly flew to England to carry out talks with Everton and Gray. As things stand, Gray remains at EFC and is being courted by Fulham and Crystal Palace.
Everton midfielder Idrissa Gueye is not leaving
Everton midfielder Gueye has also been linked with a move to Saudi Arabia with Al Ahli being the team keen to sign the Senegalese international. However, as per Babacar Ndaw Faye (via Sport Witness), Gueye is yet to receive any offer from Saudi Arabia and reports of Al Ahli being interested are baseless rumours.
Il n’y a, à ce jour, ni offre ni discussion avec aucun club de la Saudi League, contrairement aux rumeurs qui parlent de négociations entre Gana GUEYE et Al Ahli. C’est d’autant plus insensé qu’Al Ahli est en passe de signer Franck Kessié. pic.twitter.com/yhgDt0mkhV
— 🇸🇳 Babacar Ndaw FAYE 🎖 (@BNFAYE) August 8, 2023
Al Ahli have already signed Mahrez, Roberto Firmino, Saint-Maximin and Edouard Mendy but Gueye won’t be their latest signing. There have been no offers on the table or any discussions with Gueye’s camp regarding a transfer to Saudi Arabia. The rumours are baseless as Al Ahli are in the final stages of completing a transfer with Barcelona for Franck Kessie.
Gueye has one year left on his current deal with the option of extending the deal at Goodison Park for one more season. The contract extension hasn’t been triggered yet but the Senegalese continues to be an important part of Sean Dyche’s squad. The 33 year old played 33 Premier League games last season, starting 32 of them, providing security in the midfield.
Although he is 33, Dyche continues to trust Gueye in the heart of the midfield. He is an aggressive ball winner and can provide the intensity needed in Dyche’s midfield. Everton need not worry about Gueye leaving this summer as all the rumours linking him to Saudi Arabia have been quashed.
Will Idrissa Gueye continue to be a regular starter at EFC?