Pape Gueye emerges as heir to Idrissa Gana Gueye at Everton

Pape Gueye has emerged as a leading candidate to reshape Everton’s midfield future, with the club increasingly viewing him as a long-term successor to veteran compatriot Idrissa Gana Gueye.

Everton manager David Moyes is preparing a significant midfield rebuild ahead of the 2026/27 campaign after the club fell short of European qualification in their first season at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Despite a steady domestic showing, the Toffees ended the season without the continental football they had targeted, prompting an urgent reassessment of squad depth and energy in central areas.

The restructuring is already underway. Club captain Seamus Coleman has departed following the expiry of his contract, while Idrissa Gana Gueye remains in contractual limbo after discussions over an extension were postponed until after the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

With Senegal’s elimination, the 36-year-old now faces a decisive career crossroads, and Everton’s stance is believed to be increasingly pragmatic regarding his future.

End of an era for Gana Gueye?

The potential exit of Idrissa Gana Gueye would mark the close of a significant chapter at Goodison Park and beyond, where he has accumulated more than 200 Premier League appearances across two spells.

While his influence and experience remain respected internally, Everton’s recruitment direction suggests a shift towards younger, more dynamic profiles. Moyes is already understood to be progressing discussions for Middlesbrough’s Hayden Hackney as part of a broader midfield refresh.

However, internal and external assessments have also placed Pape Gueye firmly in the conversation as a stylistic and positional successor to his international teammate.

Villarreal form pushes Pape Gueye into spotlight

Currently at Villarreal, Pape Gueye has steadily built a reputation as a powerful, box-to-box midfielder capable of influencing both phases of play. Over two seasons in Spain, he has registered 10 goals in 75 appearances, offering a blend of physical presence and forward thrust that Everton have lacked in transition-heavy matches.

His recent decision to pause international commitments following the World Cup has only intensified speculation around his club future, with several Premier League sides monitoring his situation closely.

Reports suggest Villarreal would demand in the region of €40 million should negotiations formally begin, placing him firmly in the upper tier of Everton’s midfield targets.

Competition growing for key signing

Everton’s interest is not without competition. Multiple Premier League clubs are understood to be tracking the 27-year-old, creating a transfer battle that could escalate as pre-season approaches.

For Moyes, the attraction is clear: a midfielder who combines athleticism, tactical discipline and attacking output, qualities seen as essential to replacing the influence of Idrissa Gana Gueye while modernising Everton’s engine room.

With the squad already undergoing transition and key departures confirmed, Pape Gueye’s profile has moved from scouting shortlist to serious consideration as Everton prepare for a defining summer in the transfer market.