View: Everton sure to take midfielder contract action before summer

Everton are facing a number of key contract decisions this summer.

David Moyes‘ side currently sit eighth in the Premier League table, still harbouring an outside chance of breaking into a European football position before the end of the season.

As such, it’s been an encouraging debut campaign at their new Hill Dickinson Stadium home, and Everton chiefs will be hoping to enjoy a strong summer transfer window to ensure they continue on an upward trajectory.

Part of that will be making some tough calls regarding a host of out of contract first-team players, with Vitalii Mykolenko, Michael Keane and Seamus Coleman all set to become free agents.

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Idrissa Gueye has earned Everton contract extension

Another first-team star who is also out of contract this summer is Idrissa Gueye.

Now 36, the evergreen midfielder has been a superb servant to Everton ever since signing from Paris Saint-Germain in the summer of 2022, playing over 120 times for the Toffees.

However, the 99-cap Senegal international isn’t getting any younger, despite what his performances on the pitch might suggest, and a decision is going to be required over his future on Merseyside beyond this season in the coming weeks.

But, the answer to Everton’s dilemma should be a no-brainer, as the club do have the ability to trigger a 12-month extension to his contract that would see him through the 2026-27 season.

Gueye has shown absolutely no signs of slowing down in his 20 Premier League appearances this season, and has consistently proven that he can still play 90 minutes for the Toffees week in, week out.

That’s a testament to his stamina levels and the work he must put in at Finch Farm and at home when it comes to recovery, and looking after his body so that he can keep performing at a top level even now.

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Gueye could be vital Everton bridge player if midfield exits occur

Everton’s midfield could look very different next season, and not just because of Gueye’s potential to hit the free agent market.

There is known to be a significant amount of transfer interest in Toffees duo James Garner and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, with the pair enjoying brilliant individual campaigns so far.

As such, Everton face a genuine threat of seeing both of them leaving Merseyside this summer, and if so, that would leave Moyes’ midfield incredibly light on depth, and proven Premier League talent.

So, keeping Gueye around for one more season would not only shore up that department, his experience and reliability could see him serve as an excellent bridge player for a new signing or two, that may take time to grow into life as an Everton player.

For even more Everton news and opinions, head over to Football Insider.

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