Everton Football Club is set for a significant squad overhaul this summer, with several key players confirmed to be leaving as their contracts expire. This mass exodus is largely due to the club’s financial situation and a strategic decision to reshape the team under manager David Moyes, who returned to the club following the sacking of Sean Dyche.
Among the most notable departures are Ashley Young, the versatile veteran who turns 40 in July. Despite his age, Young was a regular starter for a significant portion of the season and his experience and leadership qualities were valued. His departure has raised some concerns among fans who saw him as a reliable option in multiple positions. Another significant loss is midfielder Abdoulaye Doucoure, who has been with the club since 2020 and made 165 appearances. Doucoure, at 32, was offered a new contract but has opted to pursue other opportunities, seeking a fresh challenge after nearly five years at Goodison Park, where he became a fan favorite, particularly for his crucial goal that helped secure Premier League safety in a previous season.
Backup goalkeepers Asmir Begovic and João Virginia are also confirmed to be leaving. Begovic is departing after two stints with the club, while Virginia, who came through the Arsenal youth ranks, will move on after several years primarily as an understudy to Jordan Pickford.
Beyond these confirmed exits, Everton faces a “complicated situation” with a substantial number of other players whose contracts are also set to expire. Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Michael Keane, Idrissa Gueye, and club captain Seamus Coleman are all in the final weeks of their deals. While some of these players, like Doucoure and Keane, have publicly stated they haven’t been offered new deals, the club is in ongoing discussions to determine their futures. The sheer volume of expiring contracts presents both a challenge and an opportunity for Everton to significantly rebuild and potentially reduce their wage bill, as many of the departing players were on higher salaries.
This squad reshuffle is part of a broader strategy as the club looks to navigate financial constraints and plan for a new stadium. Manager David Moyes has emphasized the importance of individual discussions with each player to provide clarity on their situations, acknowledging that the process will take time due to the numerous factors influencing these decisions. The coming weeks will be crucial in determining the final composition of the Everton squad for the upcoming season.
