Everton trigger Abdoulaye Doucoure’s one-year contract extension until June 2024

Everton activate Abdoulaye Doucoure’s one-year contract extension ahead of their crucial final weekend against Bournemouth – as the Mali midfielder prepares to fight for Toffees’ survival

  • Abdoulaye Doucoure will remain an Everton player until the end of next season
  • The Toffees have opted to activate the midfielder’s contract extension option
  • He played a key role for Sean Dyche, scoring four goals in his last nine games

Everton have activated Abdoulaye Doucoure’s one-year contract extension ahead of their decisive last game of the season against Bournemouth.

Sean Dyche’s side, who have a slim two-point lead over relegation rivals Leicester and Leeds heading into the final weekend, can secure their Premier League safety with a win against the traveling Cherries at Goodison Park on Sunday.

Although survival in the top flight is not yet certain, Everton confirmed on Tuesday that Doucoure will remain at the club until June 2024, with his contract initially expiring at the end of the season.

The Mali international has become an instrumental figure in Dyche’s battle against the drop, with four goals and two assists since March.

The industrious midfielder has benefited from a more advanced role under Dyche, featuring alongside defensive anchors Idrissa Gueye and Amadou Onana in the engine room.

Everton have decided to activate Abdoulaye Doucoure’s one-year contract extension option

Sean Dyche's side will fight for the safety of the Premier League when they face Bournemouth on Sunday

Sean Dyche’s side will fight for the safety of the Premier League when they face Bournemouth on Sunday

Doucoure, pictured next to Dwight McNeil (right), has scored four goals in his last nine games

Doucoure, pictured next to Dwight McNeil (right), has scored four goals in his last nine games

His first half support against Brighton two weeks ago helped the Toffees to a vital 5-1 victory at the Amex.

Doucouré has made 94 appearances since his £20 million move from Watford in 2020, scoring nine goals in total.

The 30-year-old fell out of favor during Frank Lampard’s tenure at the club, but has since shown to the Everton board that he is worth an extra season at Goodison Park.

Doucouré previously represented the Hornets, playing in each of the last seven Premier League seasons, making 24 top-flight appearances this season.