Everton’s decision not to take up an option in Abdoulaye Doucouré’s contract was made alongside the midfielder.
That’s according to L’Equipe, who report that the 32-year-old is currently set to leave Everton on a free transfer in the summer.
The newspaper report that Doucouré and Everton ‘have agreed’ not to exercise the option for an additional year on his contract. The Malian international is currently free to sign where he wishes.
The Toffees reportedly sat down with the player and agreed alongside him not to exercise the option for another year in his deal, which expires in June.
He is now free to negotiate with whomever he would like about a pre-contract agreement or a free transfer in the summer and has interest in the Middle East. Clubs from the Emirates and Saudi Arabia have already ‘expressed interest’ in him.
Should he depart Goodison Park it will bring an end to a five-year stay at Everton that has seen him make 157 appearances to date with 20 goals and 13 assists.
Reports in England had suggested Everton were the ones to decide not to take up the option in his current deal but L’Equipe insist it was a joint decision, with the midfielder perhaps eyeing a final payday in Saudi Arabia or the Emirates instead.
