​Everton are casting their net in Spain once again. Fresh off the arrival of Middlesbrough’s Hayden Hackney last week, the Goodison Park recruitment team have already earmarked their next target. According to Cadena Ser, via Sport Witness, Villarreal’s central midfielder Pape Gueye sits high on David Moyes’ wishlist. The 27-year-old Senegal international is presently weighing his options and waiting to see where his future might lie. Villarreal need financial fuel, and a big sale is essential to fund their own incoming business, making Gueye their most bankable asset.
Early informal discussions have begun. Everton have not yet tabled a concrete financial package, but the intent is unmistakable. Transfermarkt currently values him at €40m. That valuation feels steep, so expect some serious bargaining, especially given Gueye’s own desire for a change of scenery. There were links to Manchester United in February, according to the French press, but those discussions fizzled out quickly. Gueye, for his part, is keen on England and is already taking language lessons to ensure a quick, seamless transition if a move materializes.
Moyes needs physical presence in midfield. The current engine room at Everton lacks a genuine box-to-box presence to partner James Garner, and Gueye would transform that dynamic. His 2025/26 La Liga campaign boasts 30 appearances and five goals from deep positions, with a keen sense for arriving in the penalty area at the right times. More importantly, he advances the ball effectively. He ranked in the 88th percentile for progressive passes completed in Spain, and his vertical distribution would inject much-needed speed into Everton’s transitions. He is adept at breaking lines, tracking back, and his robust frame is well suited to the chaos of a Premier League midfield battle.
The tactical upside is the real draw. Gueye can fit beside Hackney to form a dynamic double-pivot, or he can anchor the midfield alone as a single holding midfielder. Either way, he would represent a substantial upgrade on Tim Iroegbunam and Carlos Alcaraz, who both seem destined for a place on the bench or another loan spell away from Merseyside. The recruitment team faces a careful financial calculation, however. Paying the full €40 million upfront would be unwise for a club mindful of its balance sheet. A heavily structured deal appears to be the shrewder route, allowing Everton to spread the cost while still landing a player who could redefine their midfield balance for the season ahead.