Everton may revive £33m Pape Gueye interest in January

Everton are eyeing Villarreal midfielder Pape Gueye, whose asking price is about £33 million, and manager David Moyes must decide whether to meet the premium. Since Idrissa Gana Gueye left, Everton added Hayden Hackney for £16.5 million, Christian Nørgaard for around £7 million and Merlin Röhl for £17 million, but have only 10 points from eight Premier League matches.

Current midfield impact

James Garner and Hayden Hackney have both scored, including in the recent 3‑1 Carabao Cup win over Newcastle United. Their goals provide encouragement, yet the squad still lacks a player who can sit in front of the defence, break up attacks and shield the back four. Garner, whose contract runs until 2030, remains central to David Moyes’ plans.

Hackney’s deal runs until 2031, marking him as a longer‑term investment. Christian Nørgaard brings experience, but his contract expires in 2028. A specialist defensive midfielder would free the younger pair to push higher up the pitch without leaving Everton exposed.

Potential £33m signing

Goodison News, citing Africa Foot, says Everton may revive interest in Villarreal’s Pape Gueye in January. The 27‑year‑old Senegalese international, who impressed after the 2026 World Cup, has scored three goals in ten La Liga games and featured in the Champions League. Everton reportedly floated a £23.3 million bid in the summer, while Villarreal value him at roughly £33.3 million.

The gap forces a decision for chairman Angus Kinnear and the recruitment team. Paying the extra £10 million could make sense, as Gueye’s physical presence and defensive discipline would let Garner and Hackney operate further forward. Gueye offers the physical presence and defensive discipline that would allow Garner and Hackney to contribute further up the pitch.

His arrival would not hinder Hackney’s development; a seasoned holding midfielder would give the young Englishman more freedom to attack. Nevertheless Everton must ensure the fee reflects Gueye’s true value rather than simply satisfying Villarreal’s demands.