'The interest was serious' - Everton hero had no desire to leave after January transfer window approach
Abdoulaye Doucoure said he felt no temptation toward interest in him during the January transfer window because of his commitment to Everton.
The midfielder was the subject of attention for Al-Ettifaq, the Saudi Arabia Pro League side managed by Steven Gerrard. Gerrard had just seen Jordan Henderson depart and Doucoure was targeted as part of efforts to bolster the team. But for the 31-year-old, leaving the Blues was not an option.
Reflecting on the transfer window, which opened as he dealt with a hamstring injury - the first of two that would blight the middle third of his and Everton’s season - Doucoure said: “The interest was serious but to be honest it was never my concern because I had just signed a new deal. The club wanted me to stay and I wanted to stay here. To leave in the middle of the season, I wouldn't do that. I was very happy to stay.”
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Doucoure had signed a 12-month extension in November - his second new contract in 2023 and one that confirmed his place on Merseyside until at least June 2025. It came after his own form had picked up along with Everton’s. After a slow start to the campaign, Doucoure had just added to his strike at Sheffield United with goals in the wins over Brentford and Bournemouth. In the following weeks further celebrations would follow his goals in wins over Crystal Palace, Chelsea and Newcastle United.
Putting pen to paper on a new deal was a far cry from where he started the year - on the outside of Frank Lampard’s plans. Lampard’s departure led to the appointment of Sean Dyche, a switch Doucoure
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