ABDOULAYE DOUCOURE could be the latest big name to swap the Premier League for the Middle East, with a move to Saudi newcomers Neom on the cards.
The ex-Everton midfielder is in advanced talks with the newly promoted Saudi Pro League side after leaving Goodison Park this summer.
Doucoure scored the goal that secured a final-day escape for Everton in 2023Getty
GettyThe midfielder has been keeping fit on his own since leaving Everton at the end of last season[/caption]
He joined Everton from Watford in 2020Rex Features
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Doucoure, 32, has been weighing up his next move since parting ways with the Toffees and now looks set to join a club that didn’t even exist a few years ago.
Neom – backed by Saudi megabucks and linked to the Kingdom’s massive “smart city” project – are wasting no time building a squad fit for the big league.
The club have already pulled off some eyebrow-raising deals, snapping up Alexandre Lacazette, ex-PSG stopper Marcin Bulka and Sunsport breaking the news that they had signed talented French defender Nathan Zeze.
Now, Doucoure could add his Premier League pedigree to the mix, bringing bags of experience and midfield steel to the Saudi upstarts.
A source close to the deal told The Sun: “Talks have been positive. Doucoure is open to the move and likes the project Neom are building.
“He’s had other offers, but the Saudi one is tempting both financially and professionally.”
Doucoure joined Everton from Watford in 2020 and went on to make over 100 appearances for the Blues, becoming a fan favourite for his engine and tough tackles.
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He played a huge role in Everton’s survival fights over the last few seasons and famously scored the goal that secured their Premier League status in 2023.
Since his exit, he’s been training privately and staying match-fit, waiting for the right opportunity to land.
And with Neom offering a fresh challenge – and a healthy pay packet – it might just be the perfect fit for the Malian international.
In more Saudi transfer news Al-Hilal are keen on signing Liverpool forward Darwin Nunez.
The Saudi league has become attractive to Premier League stars after Cristiano Ronaldo left Manchester United for Al Nassr in 2023.
Since then N’Golo Kante, Roberto Firmino, Sadio Mane and Riyad Mahrez have all moved there.
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