Leeds ‘getting closer’ to signing Doucoure after Everton exit news
Leeds United will need to strengthen if they are to survive in the Premier League, and a move for Abdoulaye Doucoure could tick a lot of boxes.
Daniel Farke could be sacked by Leeds despite the Whites having just secured promotion.
However, he remains unaffected by speculation and is ready to help build a squad capable of surviving in the Premier League next season. Leeds will eye players with a wealth of experience in England’s top flight to help see them over the line, especially players who have been involved in several survival battles.
Therefore, Everton midfielder Doucoure could be the perfect transfer as a move edges closer.
Leeds closer to Doucoure deal as Everton contract ebbs away
Doucoure was linked with Leeds on Tuesday (22 April) by The Athletic’s Rory Smith, who believes the Mali international would be a perfect fit for one of the newly-promoted sides.
The 32-year-old would bring a wealth of experience to Elland Road, having been involved in battles similar to what Leeds could expect next year, with both Watford and his current side, Everton.
| Abdoulaye Doucoure – Premier League appearances | Apps |
| Watford (2016-2020) | 141 |
| Everton (2020-present) | 162* |
Doucoure even scored the final-day Goodison Park goal which kept the Toffees in the Premier League two years ago at Leeds’ expense. However, his contract on Merseyside comes to an end this summer, and French outlet Sport (23 April) has reinforced the idea that there will be a viable chance to bring him to Elland Road for free before next season kicks off.
David Moyes is uncertain about whether he will keep his midfield ace, who expressed his desire to stay with his goal celebration for his last-gasp winner against Nottingham Forest earlier this month (Goodison News, 13 April).
Doucoure is edging closer to an Everton exit ahead of the Toffees’ move to Bramley-Moore Dock Stadium, and if Leeds act quickly, they could be the beneficiaries of his pedigree in the Premier League.
49ers Enterprises could explore astute financial deal
Leeds United must be wary of PSR this summer, as they were last year when they were forced to sell multiple key performers.
However, the Whites’ ownership are now in a good financial position compared to years gone by, of course supplemented by their return to the Premier League, and this could be solidified even further by bringing in astute free signings like Doucoure.
Doucoure is a high earner at Goodison Park due to his long-term impact down the years and Premier League pedigree, but Leeds may be able to accommodate any potential demands with the absence of a transfer fee, and obviously by inserting a relegation clause which was relevant to the members of the side who were relegated in 2023.
Therefore, it could be an exciting summer at Elland Road as some established names bolster the squad.