There has been plenty of speculation about the future of Idrissa Gana Gueye, whose Everton contract ended after June. But it now seems like the answers are starting to come regarding the midfielder's future with the club.
According to Everton insider The Bobble, the club is set to end talks with Gana and his representatives, signaling the end of his second tenure on Merseyside. The Senegal international, who returned to Everton in 2022 after a three year stint in Paris with PSG, will turn 37 in September.
Other reports indicate that Gana is preparing to sign with Al-Diriyah in the Saudi Pro League on a one-year deal with an option for a second year. Traditionally, clubs in Saudi Arabia have been able to attract top talent, albeit often later in their careers, with high value contracts.
Gana has been a key cog in the Everton midfield since his return to the club, and has often defied his age in order to make 25+ appearances in each of his last four seasons at Everton.
All told, he'll leave the club with over 200 appearances (219, 212 starts), nearly 18,000 minutes, nine goals, and 11 assists during his two spells as a Toffee. While he has primarily served as a defensive-minded midfielder, he has proven himself to be patient on the ball with an ability to pick out a pass and serve as a link between the back line and the attack.
That is what Everton will need to replace, either by bringing in a new player such as Gana's Senegal teammate Pape Gueye, or via a combination of new roles from incumbents like James Garner, Tim Iroegbunam, and Merlin Rohl, or newcomer Hayden Hackney.
But none of these options, save for maybe Gueye, can really replicate what Gana has done for Everton on their own. Garner might be the nearest, but he's more limited defensively, although there have been indications that he might be able to step up if given the chance to do so.
Bringing in a more traditional no.6 was likely already on Everton's summer transfer list, but Gana's confirmed exit probably escalates that need to just behind right back on the hierarchy of needs.
Ultimately, it's hard to blame either side for the move. Gana has the chance to get one more big payday before he hangs up his boots, and Everton can look for a player who can be the future at the position for years to come.
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