Idrissa Gana Gueye Leaves Everton After Seven Seasons

Goodison Park has said goodbye to one of its great modern constants. Everton have confirmed that Idrissa Gana Gueye has left the club after his contract expired at the end of June, bringing the curtain down on seven seasons of tireless, top-level service across two spells.

Talks had taken place in recent weeks about a possible extension, but the decision has now been made: at 36, Gueye will “pursue a new challenge elsewhere.” That challenge is expected to be in the Saudi Pro League with Al Diriyah, where the Senegal international is poised to continue his career.

A Midfield Anchor Who Never Stopped Running

Gueye’s numbers at Everton tell their own story. Across two stints on Merseyside, he racked up 236 appearances, patrolling midfield with the same relentless energy that first caught the eye when he arrived from Aston Villa in August 2016.

He quickly became the heartbeat of Everton’s engine room, a specialist in the ugly but essential work: interceptions, tackles, closing spaces, dragging his team up the pitch by sheer force of will. When he left for Paris Saint-Germain in 2019, he did so as one of the Premier League’s most respected ball-winners. When he returned in August 2022 after three seasons in Paris, he slipped straight back into the role as if he had never been away.

Influence On And Off the Pitch

Everton boss David Moyes paid a pointed tribute to Gueye’s impact, particularly during the club’s turbulent recent campaigns.

“Everyone at Everton is hugely grateful for Gana’s dedication, professionalism, and influence on the pitch throughout his two spells at the club,” Moyes said, underlining just how central the midfielder had been to the dressing room.

“His leadership qualities in and around the dressing room proved crucial, particularly in our final season at Goodison. His commitment to the club over many years was exceptional.

“Everyone connected to Everton thanks Gana – he will always be welcome at the club – and we wish him and his family all the very best for the future.”

Those words reflect more than polite farewell protocol. In seasons where Everton have flirted with crisis and clung to stability wherever they could find it, Gueye’s presence has often been a reassuring constant: a senior pro who understood the demands of the club and the weight of the shirt.

End of an Era, Start of Another

For Everton, his departure leaves both an emotional and tactical gap. For Gueye, it opens the door to one last major move, likely in Saudi Arabia, where Al Diriyah are expected to secure his signature.

From Aston Villa to Everton, on to Paris Saint-Germain and back to Goodison, Gueye has built a career on reliability, resilience, and a relentless work ethic. Now, as he steps away from the club that made him a cult favourite, the question is simple: who will pick up the mantle in Everton’s midfield, now that Gana has gone?