‘Agreement Close’ – Everton Set to Agree Contract Terms with Midfielder | OneFootball

Everton Set for Major Double Deal as Striker Search Takes New Turn

Everton are edging closer to securing a crucial double deal that could shape the tone of their summer rebuild under returning manager David Moyes. As reported by TEAMtalk, Idrissa Gana Gueye is on the verge of signing a contract extension, while Charly Alcaraz is expected to join the club on a permanent basis before the end of the month.

Gueye’s extension is a significant statement. The 35-year-old has been a cornerstone in Everton’s midfield, defying his age to lead the Premier League with 133 tackles this season. He was also deservedly awarded both the Everton Men’s Player of the Season and the Players’ Player of the Season for his tireless efforts.

“Everything now points towards the Senegalese international staying for at least another season,” reports TEAMtalk, and that’s a huge win for Moyes, who values steel and consistency in his midfield.

Photo: IMAGO

Meanwhile, 22-year-old Alcaraz, who joined on loan from Southampton in January, has quickly become a fan favourite. His winning goals against Crystal Palace and Newcastle showcased his potential and match-winning mentality.

Photo: IMAGO

“Everton expect to complete deal for Charly Alcaraz by May 31,” wrote journalist Paul Joyce on X, revealing that talks with Flamengo are progressing for a fee in the region of £12.6m (€15m).

Alcaraz is seen internally as the long-term successor to Abdoulaye Doucouré, and this deal presents excellent value for a dynamic, attacking midfielder with room to grow.

Focus Shifts After Delap Snub

Despite the optimism surrounding Gueye and Alcaraz, Everton have hit a stumbling block in their search for a striker. The club had targeted Ipswich Town’s Liam Delap, who impressed during talks, but he now appears set to join Chelsea.

TEAMtalk reported that Everton made a “lucrative salary and the promise of consistent playing time” as part of their pitch to Delap, but Chelsea’s financial muscle and prestige proved decisive.

This blow has forced the club to pivot quickly, and attention has now turned to Stuttgart striker Nick Woltemade.

Nick Woltemade Emerges as Prime Target

Standing at 6ft6 and with 17 goals in 33 appearances for Stuttgart this season, Nick Woltemade fits the mould of a traditional Moyes striker – physical, clinical, and capable of bullying defences. He’s fresh off a historic DFB-Pokal win, where he scored in every round except the quarter-final.

According to German outlet Bild, Everton face competition from Brighton, Bayern Munich and Atletico Madrid. Stuttgart are scrambling to tie him down to a new deal, increasing his current wage of £23,000 per week, but Everton have a clear window if they act decisively.

Photo: IMAGO

Given Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s contract uncertainty, securing a new striker is non-negotiable. Whether Calvert-Lewin stays or goes, Moyes needs depth and a long-term No. 9 to lead the line.

Summer Rebuild Begins with Key Departures

Everton’s plans are already in motion, with a number of senior players departing. Abdoulaye Doucouré, Ashley Young, Asmir Begovic and Joao Virginia have been released, while loan players Jack Harrison, Jesper Lindstrom, Orel Mangala and Armando Broja return to their parent clubs.

There is also ongoing uncertainty regarding Michael Keane, Seamus Coleman and Calvert-Lewin, whose contracts expire on June 30. Moyes is clearly reshaping the squad, and the early moves reflect both pragmatism and ambition.

With Gueye staying and Alcaraz arriving, the spine of the team is beginning to take shape. Now, the striker chase becomes central to Everton’s summer narrative.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

As a lifelong Blue, it’s hard not to get fired up about where this summer is heading. Let’s start with Gana – what a warrior. Still putting in the miles at 35 and leading the Premier League in tackles? That’s the kind of hunger we need, and him staying on sends the right message to everyone in the squad. He’s the heartbeat of our midfield, and a proper Moyes player through and through.

Alcaraz for £12.6m? That’s a no-brainer. He’s got bite, energy and that knack for popping up with crucial goals. You can just see him growing into a key player under Moyes, especially now that Doucouré’s off. It’s exciting to think how we’ll set up with Alcaraz given a full pre-season to settle in.

Yes, missing out on Delap stings, but Woltemade sounds like a serious prospect. He’s not just tall – he scores big goals in big games. Reminds me a bit of a young Dunc (Big Dunc that is). Imagine him bullying defences at Goodison on a cold winter night.

Moyes knows what he’s doing. He’s trimming the fat, locking down quality, and eyeing up a proper front man. It’s early days, but this rebuild feels right. If we land Woltemade and keep adding smartly, we’ll be more than just safe next season – we’ll be dangerous.