Born: 01/01/1993

Meulan-en-Yvelines

Nationality: French

Abdoulaye Doucouré started his senior footballing career at Rennes' youth system, where he made his debut for the first-team during the 2012/13 campaign, going on to feature in 90 games for the Ligue 1 side.

Shortly after signing a 4 1/2 year deal with Watford, he joined La Liga club Granada CF on loan where he made 15 appearances.

After a fabulous 2017/18 campaign scoring seven goals from midfield, he was awarded Player of the Season and Players' Player of the Season trophies, before extending his Watford contact in August 2018 with a new 5 year deal, despite interest from many clubs.

Doucouré is a strong midfielder in both attack and defence, difficult to get past, and dynamic going forward. He disrupts play, by using his mobility to pressure opponents, and will run into the penalty box to support the strikers.

After joining, he had this to say: "I have been waiting a long time to come here and now it has happened so I am very happy."

"I had some interest from other clubs but from the beginning when Everton showed an interest in me I told my agent to focus on Everton. It was the only club I wanted to join".

"Everton has a big history in English football and it is a good club for me to have a step up in my career. I am very happy now to be an Everton player and very excited for the future."

"I can bring my energy - I am a powerful player, I can run a lot, all the game," said Doucoure. "I can add goals as well. I will try my best to score goals and help the team".

"It is an ambitious project here and it was a big part of my decision, having Marcel Brands and the coach Carlo Ancelotti wanting me".

"When you come to a club you want the manager and, of course, the Board to support you".

"It was the case with Everton and I was very eager to come here.”

He arrives on a three-year deal until the end of June 2023 with a *Club option for a fourth season.

On 23rd May 2023, Everton confirmed the Club had activated the option to extend Abdoulaye Doucoure’s contract until the end of June 2024. On 3rd November 2023, they announced that a new contract until June 2025 had been signed.

Contracted until: June 2025

Source: Everton FC