Everton midfielder Abdoulaye Doucoure is the latest European star to pop up on the radar of the free-spending Saudi Arabians who are eager to splash the cash again this month.
According to Italian transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Saudi-based club Al Ettifaq have set their sights on Doucoure, highlighting the Mali international as a primary target.
Doucoure failed to make the Mali national team squad for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations as he was suffering from a thigh problem at the time.
However, he returned in time for Everton’s most recent goalless draw against Aston Villa in the Premier League.
Al Ettifaq lost Jordan Henderson to Ajax this month and are looking to shop in the Premier League once again to replace the former Liverpool skipper.
Doucoure has been identified as one of several targets to plug the gap. But any deal for the midfielder would be complicated, considering he is a key player for Everton.
The 31-year-old has been a staple in the Everton midfield this season, featuring 21 times across all competitions.
He has also been a solid goalscoring outlet for the goal-shy Toffees, notching six Premier League goals – the most of any player in Sean Dyche’s side.
Doucoure is the second player linked with a January departure from Goodison Park after Amadou Onana, who is attracting plenty of interest from the Premier League.
Newcastle United, Manchester United, Chelsea, and Arsenal have all been credited with an interest in the Belgium international, and it remains to be seen if Everton can hang on to him this month.
It’s no secret that the Merseyside club may be forced to sell one of their prized assets, having been charged with breaching the Premier League’s profit and sustainability rules twice.
Nonetheless, Everton is likely to demand a significant fee from Al Ettifaq for their top goalscorer this season.