David Moyes Has Already Made His First Everton Transfer Window Mistake

 Everton and David Moyes will live to regret their decision to let Abdoulaye Doucoure leave when his contract expires this summer. The experienced midfielder continues to show his worth in the final stages of his spell with the Toffees.

Doucoure, 32, was in the right place at the right time to net a dramatic 90+4th minute winner in a 1-0 win over Nottingham Forest on Saturday. His celebration sent the club's owners a message regarding their stance over not renewing his deal, as he mimicked signing paperwork.

The veteran midfielder has been with the Merseyside outfit since September 2020, when he arrived from Watford in a £20 million deal. He's been a fine servant and continues to make an impact for Moyes' side despite heading into the latter stages of his career.

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Doucoure's winner isn't the only occasion he's come up trumps for Everton this season, also netting in a 2-2 draw with Manchester United in February. He's suited to Moyes' brand of football, possessing a similar profile to Tomas Soucek, who was one of the Scot's most important players at West Ham United.

The financial aspect of a contract extension is perhaps the main stumbling block on the club's part as he's purportedly their highest earner at £130,000 per week. They have a one-year option in his current deal, which they have reportedly decided not to trigger, but they should look to negotiate because they have a player who knows the club inside out.

"The boss has given me so much belief since he arrived... That confidence he’s put in me—I feel it every time I’m out there, and I want to repay him. Physically, I’m in a good place, and the spirit around the club is fantastic" - Doucoure on Moyes (via Everton's media team in February).

Doucoure's renewal or new deal would also allow Everton to strengthen in other key areas such as attack where they're crying out for a new striker. RC Lens' Andy Diouf has been linked with the Toffees as a potential replacement but he could cost around £12.5 million, money which should be spent on bolstering Moyes' frontline.