Everton are being linked with a move for Villarreal’s Senegal- and France-qualified central midfielder Pape Gueye, 27, who currently plays in La Liga for the Spanish club.
The Goodison Park side are reported to be weighing up a bid for the left-footed midfielder, whose Transfermarkt market value is listed at €40.00m, as they look to strengthen their options in the centre of the pitch ahead of the new Premier League season.
Gueye, born in Montreuil on 24 January 1999 and standing at 1.89m, has emerged as one of Villarreal’s key midfield profiles since arriving in Spain. Details of his current deal have not been made public, with no contract expiry date listed, which has fuelled speculation over whether he could be prised away this summer or potentially run down his agreement and leave as a free agent further down the line.
The latest transfer chatter, logged on 26 June 2026, gives no clear indication of how advanced talks are, with the probability of the move described only as “?”. However, Everton’s interest comes at a time when clubs across Europe are closely monitoring players whose contractual situations remain opaque, conscious of the potential for future free-agent opportunities should an extension not materialise.
The Senegal/France dual national, primarily a central midfielder but comfortable operating as a left-sided anchor thanks to his preferred left foot, has built his reputation in top-flight European football, most recently in LaLiga with Villarreal. His physical profile and ability to cover ground have made him an attractive option for clubs seeking a commanding presence in midfield.
While no agreement is in place and no fee has been set beyond his indicative €40.00m valuation, Everton’s interest underlines Gueye’s growing status. Should a transfer eventually materialise, a move to the Premier League could prove a pivotal step in shaping his next peak years and redefining his standing on the European stage.
