Everton need to sort out some of their players’ contract situations before it is too late. The Toffees could lose four experienced figures at the end of the month when their contracts expire, according to the Liverpool Echo. Seamus Coleman, Idrissa Gueye, Michael Keane and Dominic Calvert-Lewin could all leave on a free.
The report says Gueye and Coleman have both ‘been offered the chance to extend their stays’ at the Hill Dickinson Stadium, although it is unclear what their decision will be. It would certainly be a loss for both to leave, given the experience they provide to David Moyes’ side.
Indeed, if Gueye was to depart the club this summer, the Toffees could already be lining up his perfect replacement.
Everton’s Gueye replacement
It will certainly be hard for Everton to replace Gueye this summer. He is a player with bags of experience and is a key figure for Moyes in the middle of midfield. They certainly need to replace him with someone who adds that know-how.
Well, perhaps Everton’s latest midfield target, Fenerbahce star Fred, is the man who can do just that.
According to a report from Turkish outlet Fanatik, the former Manchester United star is a key target for the Toffees. They explain that ‘Moyes wants to see the Brazilian star as one of the key names in the midfield’ in 2025/26.
However, Fenerbahce boss Jose Mourinho ‘will not give up easily’ when it comes to keeping Fred at the club.
They are reportedly set to ask for £17m to let the midfielder go this summer, although the 32-year-old ‘continues to insist on transferring’, which looks positive for Everton.
Why Fred would be a good signing
Fred’s game has certainly evolved in the last few years, and his time in Turkey seems to sum that up. A genuine box-to-box midfielder, he is someone involved in all phases of the game, and can make an impact in any third.
Last season for Fenerbahce, Fred played 45 games, contributing five goals and eight assists, highlighting the impact he has in attack. In the top flight of Turkey, the Brazil international contributed to 11 goals in just 31 appearances.
Of course, let’s not forget the contributions he made in a Man United shirt. A key part of the Red Devils’ midfield for a number of years, Fred played 213 times, scoring 14 times and grabbing 19 assists. 22 of those 33 goal involvements came in his final two seasons at Old Trafford, further highlighting that more advanced role he now plays.
The 2025/26 campaign is a huge one for those on the Blue side of Merseyside. They are moving into the Hill Dickinson Stadium and will be looking to build on the momentum gathered under Moyes last season.
Well, Fred could be the perfect player to help guide them through these huge months. Described as a “big-game player” by Statman Dave, he is prone to stepping up in those big moments. Take this strike for United in the Europa League back in 2022/23 against Barcelona, during a game in which his side were behind.
The Brazilian would be a key replacement for Gueye next term, if he were to leave. The Senegal international played 37 times in the Premier League, featuring in every single one of Moyes’ games in charge.
He provides experience and a sense of calm at the base of the midfield in that famous Blue shirt, although he does play a slightly different role to Fred. Gueye tends to sit at the base of Everton’s midfield. Last season, he made the most tackles in the top flight, with 133.
Yet, the numbers via FBref from Fred’s most recent Premier League season, compared to Gueye’s stats from this term, are not too dissimilar. For example, the Brazilian averaged 4.75 tackles and interceptions per 90 minutes compared to the Everton star’s 5.32 each game.
|
Fred and Gueye key stats from most recent PL season |
||
|---|---|---|
|
Stat (per 90) |
Fred (2022/23) |
Gueye (2024/25) |
|
Progressive passes |
5.47 |
4.26 |
|
Blocks |
2.73 |
1.41 |
|
Tackles and interceptions |
4.75 |
5.32 |
|
Ball recoveries |
9.14 |
5.71 |
|
Progressive carries |
0.72 |
0.79 |
|
Stats from FBref |
||
Losing the experience and guile of Gueye in midfield would certainly be a blow to Moyes, but Fred could be an apt replacement. The Brazilian is versatile and can sit a bit deeper to help screen the back four, or can operate in advanced areas to a great degree of success.
Adding experience and Premier League quality for a fee of £17m seems like a good deal for the Toffees. Fred could well be the dream Gueye replacement if he departs this summer.
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