Everton fans do not despair. Premier League money may be here to save you and help keep Idrissa Gana Gueye at the club.
That’s at least according to L’Equipe, whose annual article on wages in Ligue 1 may be an indicator that Stade Rennais’ move for Gueye may be destined for failure.
A report today indicated the French side have thrown their hat into the ring to sign Gueye this summer. The midfielder is yet to sign a new deal at Everton, despite confidence around the Toffees that the 35-year-old will be staying.
His contract expires at the end of the month and Everton have offered him an extension. David Moyes has also hinted he believes they’ll be able to keep the Senegal international.
Rennes have made their move, though, with manager Habib Beye thought to be keen on adding the Everton man’s experience. We suggested that may be difficult given the finances involved, and dug out L’Equipe’s annual report strengthen than point.
The Rennes report was published in March, and explains the wage bill at the French side is limited and has only increased little from year to year. The average monthly salary at the club is currently €150,000.
They’ve often moved on players with big salaries when they can, doing so last summer and again in the January transfer window. Put simply, wages aren’t something the club like spending money on.
Even newcomers to the club, such as Lillian Brassier, who arrived in the January window, have seen limited offers. He gets €210,000 a month but this was with compensation from Marseille. Manager Habib Beye, as a further example, earns €90,000 a month.
In a wider look at Ligue 1 in general, no Rennes players appear in L’Equipe’s 2025 Ligue 1 top 30 earners. That’s a telling stat, particularly when trying to lure a Premier League player.
Gueye may be a veteran, but he’d demand good wages still and it seems unlikely Rennes would be able to offer them, never mind beat what Everton would be willing and capable of offering him.
With Gueye also regularly stating he’s happy on Merseyside, it may be good news for Everton’s hopes of keeping him this summer.
