Everton Football Club is preparing for the potential departure of midfielder Abdoulaye Doucoure by securing a £16.6 million transfer for Argentine midfielder Carlos Alcaraz. Doucoure, whose contract expires in June, is the club’s highest earner at £130,000 per week, and no extension talks are currently underway. The club’s new owners, The Friedkin Group, aim to reduce the squad’s average age and manage the wage structure more effectively.
Alcaraz, 22, joined Everton on loan from Brazilian club Flamengo during the winter transfer window. The loan agreement includes an obligation to buy for £16.6 million if Alcaraz starts eight games. Since his arrival, he has made six Premier League appearances, starting three matches and scoring one goal. His performances have impressed both the management and supporters, positioning him as a suitable replacement for Doucoure.
Doucoure has been a pivotal figure for Everton since his £20 million transfer from Watford in 2020, contributing 17 goals and 11 assists over 129 appearances. This season, he has scored seven goals and provided one assist in 31 Premier League matches. Despite his contributions, the club’s strategic direction and financial considerations have led to the decision not to extend his contract.
Several clubs from the Middle East, including Al-Ettifaq, Al-Qadsiah, NEOM FC, and Shabab Al-Ahli, have expressed interest in signing Doucoure on a free transfer. Additionally, teams from Turkey and Germany are monitoring his situation. As Everton prepares for the future, integrating Alcaraz into the squad is seen as a step towards rejuvenating the team’s midfield dynamics.