Leeds United could well be closing in on their first summer signing, with a free transfer for Abdoulaye Doucoure.
Abdoulaye Doucoure is leaving Everton this summer. And it’s been claimed that Leeds United are interested in signing Doucoure, 32, who joined Everton in 2020 and has since made 165 total appearances for the club.
He’s one of several players linked with Leeds United ahead of the summer transfer opening on June 1st, with Daniel Farke casting his eye over a handful of free agents such as Doucoure, and Jamie Vardy among others.
The latest on Abdoulaye Doucoure at Everton amid links to Leeds United
There’d been some confusion over whether or not Doucoure would be staying with Everton beyond this season: his contract is out this summer but there was speculation that both Doucoure and Everton were keen to extend his stay.
That was until Doucoure confirmed he was leaving Everton as a free agent this summer. And soon after that, on Friday, Everton boss David Moyes confirmed Doucoure had a better offer to leave the club.
Recent reports had claimed that Doucoure wanted a salary of £160,000-a-week from his next club. There have been strong suggestions that Doucoure is heading to Saudi Arabia, although links to Elland Road have persisted.
What Everton fans are now saying about Abdoulaye Doucoure
Everton currently sit in 13th place of the Premier League table and look set for a relatively comfortable finish this season. And Doucoure has featured heavily, though fans haven’t been all that impressed, and few are wishing that he stays.
One Everton supporter posted on social media: “The fact Moyes wanted to keep him is the scary bit. He had overstayed his welcome and isn’t getting any younger. He didn’t offer much other than he could run a lot so when his legs go and they will he offers absolutely nothing.”
A similar comment read: “We’d all do the same if we were in his shoes but the reality is he’s not good enough any more to play for Everton. We need younger fitter players in that area with more quality than him.”
Others were angry that Doucoure has seemingly moved for money. “Obviously doesn’t care about us then,” said one Everton fan, as another added: “Interesting considering he was saying he wanted to stay. Money talks.”
A final comment read: “So it was all about the money with him personally I thought he was rubbish, scored the odd goal but performances were pretty poor for the most.”
Whether or not Doucoure ends up at Leeds United amid this latest news remains to be seen, if not unlikely. If he moves elsewhere then it’s certainly not the end of the world for Farke.
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