Gana Gueye departs Everton for a second time
Everton have confirmed earlier reports that Idrissa Gana Gueye has left the club this summer following the expiry of his latest contract.
The 36-year-old has enjoyed two spells with the Blues, first between 2016 and 2019 when he was signed from Aston Villa in a cut-price £7.1m deal before being sold to Paris Saint-Germain for £28m.
He then returned to Goodison Park in 2022 having spent three years in Ligue 1 and, once again, established himself as one of Everton's most important players.
He signed a one-year extension to his terms last year, with a club retaining an option to automatically extend his deal by a further 12 months if he made a pre-determined number of starts during 2025/26.
The Senegal international did not reach that milestone and he became a free agent as of 1st July. Rumours suggest that Gana is in negotiations with Al-Dirrayah in Saudi Arabia.
Reader Responses
Selected thoughts from readers24/07/2026 21:14:06
Good luck to him, a fine player for us during a difficult time.
At least this means more opportunities for Hackney and maybe even KDH in his more natural role.
24/07/2026 22:21:52
Arguably Gana has been our best outfield player in the last decade. He was badly missed in the closing weeks of last season. Here’s hoping his departure does not leave a gaping hole in the opening weeks of the new season.
24/07/2026 22:51:48
Good luck man. You represent all I believe Everton is. Hope you have a great future.
25/07/2026 10:55:29
Steve Walsh got Everton to activate Gyene buy out clause in 2016.He was a players in the mould of Walsh's other find Kante.
Gyene was consistently the highest stats for a Premier League defensive midfielder.The only possible weakness was the attempted long pass. but that could have the result of tactical failings in Everton build up play.
He will be difficult to replace, especially as Moyes stylw is so dependent on.
25/07/2026 15:19:52
Great and an essential player for us, for many seasons.
Right time to leave, for both parties.
25/07/2026 15:38:43
Gueye has certainly given his all for the club and put in some excellent performances over a very bleak few years. He must have an affinity to the club too - and I wonder if he may ever return in a coaching capacity.
In his prime, Gueye would have been an asset for any club. Hopefully we're now moving to a position where a player like this (a hunter / presser of the ball) is more of a tactical option - and the primary focus of the midfield is on keeping and using the ball well.
25/07/2026 20:46:13
Sorry to see him go. I hope that doesn’t mean his mate, Ndiaye, will be off too.
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24/07/2026 19:04:43
Good luck Idrissa, thank you for everything.