Everton midfielder Abdoulaye Doucoure to leave club this summer
The 32-year-old, whose current deal runs out this summer, joined the Toffees from Watford in 2020.
He memorably struck the winner when Everton beat Bournemouth 1-0 at Goodison Park as they avoided relegation on the final day of the 2022-23 Premier League season.
ONCE A BLUE , ALWAYS A BLUE 💙 pic.twitter.com/YaBncexTZ3
— Abdoulaye Doucouré (@abdoudoucoure16) May 20, 2025
Speaking in a video posted on social media, Doucoure said: 'Hi Evertonians – just wanted to share this message with you that I'm going to leave the football club at the end of the season. After five wonderful years, my time at Everton came to an end.
'Everton means a lot for me. Obviously the past five years it's been hard but I will always remember my time as a dream for me, to play for Everton Football Club.
'Obviously I'm sad to leave the club but I think the time has come for a new chapter for me and for the club as well and I will always be grateful for what the club did for me.
'My best memory, I will say it will be the goal I scored against Bournemouth to keep the club in the Premier League.
'I think this is something I will always be proud (of). It was a wonderful moment for me and my family and for the club as well.
'I will miss the fans. I will miss the football club. I just wanted to let them know that I gave everything every single time in training, in games, I was always proud to wear the shirts, always proud to play at Goodison Park.
'I gave everything to win the most games I could and I will just miss the place and I wish them all the best in the new stadium.
'Everton will always be part of my life now. I will be forever a Blue. I will always support Everton and I hope they're going to have a bright future.'
Abdoulaye Doucoure will leave Everton when his current contract expires at the end of next month.
— Everton (@Everton) May 20, 2025
Everton said in a statement they had offered Doucoure – who has made 165 appearances for the club, scoring 21 goals – a new contract but he had decided to 'pursue opportunities elsewhere'.
Boss David Moyes said of the Mali international: 'Doucs has been an influential player throughout his time at the club, including since I returned as manager (in January), and Evertonians will always be grateful for his dedication and crucial goals.
'Everyone at Everton thanks Doucs for his service and wishes him all the best for the future.'
Doucoure was part of the team on Sunday when they beat Southampton 2-0 in their final match at Goodison.
While Everton's men's side are relocating to Bramley-Moore Dock, Goodison is to become the new home of their women's team.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Mirror
33 minutes ago
- Daily Mirror
Arsenal release statement as Benjamin Sesko vs Viktor Gyokeres decision made
Arsenal appear to have finally made a decision between RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko and Sporting Lisbon goal machine Viktor Gyokeres after lengthy deliberations Arsenal's number one priority in the summer transfer window is to sign a world-class centre-forward - and they are now getting close to making that wish a reality. The Gunners know they need to spend big on a striker after finishing second in the Premier League for the third straight campaign, while also coming up short in the semi-finals of the Champions League. Mikel Arteta has been assured by the club's hierarchy that there is money to spend on the right player. "We plan to invest to get behind winning and doing better next season," co-chairman Josh Kroenke said recently. "We're delighted we have our sporting director, Andrea [Berta], who will play an important role in this. He is part of a unified and strong team, supported by the board, who are crystal clear on exactly what we need to do and the way in which we want to do it. The right way. The Arsenal way." Arsenal moved closer to signing a back-up goalkeeper on Saturday by agreeing a deal to sign Kepa Arrizabalaga from Chelsea for £5million. Kepa spent last season on loan with Bournemouth and now appears set to join the Gunners as a back-up to David Raya. And the club now seems to have settled on another right player for their Arsenal way. Read on to find out the latest in their search. Talks over £60m Sesko deal Arsenal appear to have chosen Benjamin Sesko over Viktor Gyokeres this summer, with talks ongoing over a £60million transfer. The Gunners were interested in signing Sesko from RB Leipzig last summer, but he decided to stay another season. Now it seems he's ready to move. The German club are willing to sell the Slovenia international for the right price. And they have asked the Slovenian Football Association to omit Sesko from their friendly against Bosnia and Herzegovina on Tuesday in a clear sign that a deal could be struck soon. The 22-year-old has lots of fans at Arsenal, who believe his performance stats are more impressive than Gyokeres', due to the higher level in the Bundesliga, compared to the Portuguese top flight. Arsenal release Jorginho statement The Gunners have confirmed that Jorginho is departing the club early in order to join Brazilian club Flamengo in time to feature in the Club World Cup in the United States. Jorginho was due to leave when his deal expired on June 30, but has left earlier. Arsenal said in a statement: "The club can confirm that we have reached a mutual agreement with Jorginho to end his contract with immediate effect. Thank you for everything and all the best, Jorgi" The Gunners are set to say goodbye to 17 players at the end of the month, with Jorginho's replacement already lined up in the form of Martin Zubimendi, who is expected to join from Real Sociedad for £51m. Man Utd lead Gyokeres race Arsenal going for Sesko over Gyokeres has helped Manchester United take the lead in the race for the Swedish striker. Gyokeres worked with Ruben Amorim at Sporting Lisbon and could be reunited with him next season. Sir Jim Ratcliffe's drastic cost-cutting at Old Trafford could help them get to the front of the queue for Gyokeres, who is expected to demand in excess of £200,000 per week to join. The 27-year-old is likely to cost around £65m - around the same figure as Sesko, who is five years younger. Gyokeres could lead the line alongside Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo at United next season. Cunha is joining for £62.5m from Wolves, while United have offered Brentford £55m plus £5m in bonuses for Mbeumo. Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
Daily Mirror
4 hours ago
- Daily Mirror
Liverpool star details what surprised him most about Tarkowski horror tackle
Alexis Mac Allister was one of the stars of the season as Liverpool claimed the Premier League title, but remembers vividly the moment he was smashed by James Tarkowski during April's Merseyside derby Liverpool midfielder Alexis Mac Allister has spoken about the horror tackle by James Tarkowski that could have left him with a broken leg. The Argentine international has revealed how he was shocked by the look on the Everton defender's face as he launched himself into a brutal challenge during the Reds' 1-0 Mersey derby victory over their rivals in April. Tarkowski escaped with just a yellow card and apologised to Mac Allister at the end of the game. But Mac Allister, speaking in an interview in Argentina, said: 'It could have broken my leg twice! That they didn't send him (Tarkowski) off was incredible. If I'd had my foot planted on the ground, it would have broken my leg completely. 'At the time, I realised it was too strong. But what shocked me most was his face when he went for the tackle. 'I wouldn't say he was going to try to break me, but I feel I was lucky given the way he went in.' Mac Allister was a key performer as Arne Slot's team lifted the Premier League title. But he has been left out of Argentina's squad for World Cup qualifiers against Chile and Colombia because of injury. Mac Allister also named Manchester City 's Jack Grealish as the biggest provocateur in the Premier League this week, admitting players "feel like kicking him". He also suggested the 29-year-old often made the most of being fouled, having first faced off against him when he was a Brighton player and Grealish turned out for Villa. "Grealish - you feel like kicking him," the Argentine said. "But even when you do, he gets right back up. And somehow, that makes you feel like you're winning!" Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
Daily Mirror
5 hours ago
- Daily Mirror
Man Utd receive Lisandro Martinez injury update as timeline for return emerges
Lisandro Martinez rupturing his anterior cruciate ligament in February and is now on the road to a comeback for Manchester United ahead of the start of pre-season under Ruben Amorim Lisandro Martinez is making good progress in his recovery from a serious knee injury and Manchester United are hopeful he could be available early next season. Martinez needed surgery in February after rupturing his anterior cruciate ligament in a match against Crystal Palace, but he's now on the road to recovery. The United defender was carried from the pitch in tears after sustaining the serious injury which ruled him out for the rest of the season. Martinez was a big miss for Ruben Amorim in the final three months of the campaign, as United limped to 15th place in the Premier League and lost the Europa League final against Tottenham. He was one of many injuries in defence for United and won't be able to take a full part in pre-season when that comes around. However, the club have been encouraged by the progress the Argentina international has made, with tests confirming last week that he hasn't got a tear in his meniscus. United are weary of rushing him back and will take a cautious approach to avoid aggravating the injury. But it is hoped he will be able to start an individual rehabilitation programme in the coming months, working individually on the grass during pre-season. The aim will be for Martinez to make his return as soon as possible in the 2025/26 season, when United's team will look very different. Amorim is keen to overhaul his squad – and the club will listen to offers for any of their players – but the United boss is a fan of Martinez. "If you let him, he can go play today without problem," Amorim said in March after Martinez was spotted cheering his team-mates on from the sidelines against Arsenal. "Because he loves the club, he wants to help the team, he understands the context. Like I said, he's a great character, he's really important in the dressing room." The 27-year-old has also been praised for his leadership and encouragement by young midfielder Toby Collyer, who told the club website: 'Licha is another name that's massively helped me, in training every day, around the building, to express myself, giving me little tips on the pitch and helping me through games. He's another one that's really helped me.' Collyer also struggled with injuries, so spent lots of time with Martinez. 'We saw each other every day in the physio room,' he added. 'And even when we're working in the gym, you have little moments where you can chat for a bit. It's nice to have someone like him to get through it with.' Martinez is keen to return as soon as possible. After undergoing surgery he wrote on Instagram: "Today, after going through several stormy days where I allowed myself to feel and accept my sadness, helplessness, insecurities, fears, and a deep emotional imbalance, I am reconnecting with my essence and my values, which help me see things from a kinder and more positive perspective. "I feel immense gratitude for the incredible work and support of @manchesterunited, @afaseleccion, my family, friends, teammates, and everyone who took the time to send me a message of encouragement. The surgery went perfectly!! Now it's time to give it my all, with heart and soul, in the rehabilitation process." Join our new MAN UTD WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Manchester United content from Mirror Football. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
