Abdoulaye Doucoure David Moyes Everton
(Credit: Imago)

‘Doucoure is definitely leaving Everton’ – fans respond to Goodison Park farewell

Jonathan Burnett
Jonathan Burnett

Everton fans are convinced they’ve seen the last of Abdoulaye Doucoure at Goodison Park after his late substitution against Southampton.

David Moyes‘ side coasted to a comfortable 2-0 victory over the Saints in the last match Everton’s men’s first-team will play at Goodison Park, ahead of their move to the new Hill Dickinson Stadium this summer.

Iliman Ndiaye was at the double for Everton with goals at the start and end of the first half; his second a fine individual effort which put any hope of a Southampton fightback to bed as Goodison was farewelled in style.

Several of Everton’s out-of-contract veterans like Seamus Coleman and Ashley Young were waved off by the home crowd for the final time at Goodison, but doubts continue to linger over other players’ futures.

Bramley-Moore Dock Everton Stadium
Credit: Imago

Doucoure waves goodbye amid Everton contract saga

Although the departures of Asmir Begovic, Joao Virginia and the aforementioned Young have all been confirmed by Everton in recent days, Doucoure is one of several whose contractual status is in limbo.

Football Insider revealed on 12 May that Doucoure and his fellow midfielder Idrissa Gueye could yet be offered new deals to extend their spells on Merseyside, but the latter is far more likely to stay put.

EvertonStatisticsSouthampton
2Goals0
2.39xG1.16
5 / 13Shots on Target2 / 6
50%Possession50%
4Corners5
Everton’s 2-0 win over Southampton at Goodison Park was relatively straight-forward [Credit: FotMob]

Doucoure wished Young well after his departure was announced, but his emotional response to being substituted against Southampton saw the Mali international receive a standing ovation at Goodison Park.

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The 32-year-old’s exit in the 65th minute saw all four sides of the stadium rise to applaud him as he was replaced by Carlos Alcaraz, and several Evertonians believe it’s the last time they’ll see Doucoure in blue.

Abdoulaye Doucoure Everton
Credit: Imago

Everton fans respond to Doucoure exit – ‘thank you for your service’

Doucoure has never been a universally popular figure amid inconsistent form and a lack of cutting edge in their most creative position, but some of his actions this term have endeared him to Everton fans.

Several called for Doucoure to be given a new contract after his last-minute winner at Nottingham Forest last month, a goal which ended a six-match winless streak and kick-started a run of three victories in six.

With Doucoure’s “viaibly emotional” farewell on Sunday though, the Toffees faithful were convinced that the Malian’s exit is certain, and while some said he “goes with nothing but the best”, others added that he “embodies the grit of this club” better than most.

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