---
title: "Idrissa Gueye Joins Al-Diriyah Following Departure From Everton"
url: https://projectchintan.com/article/idrissa-gueye-transfer-al-diriyah-everton-departure-ey5c5
publisher: Project Chintan
author: Project Chintan Newsroom
section: World
published: 2026-08-10T04:49:53.023Z
modified: 2026-08-10T07:41:29.148Z
language: en-IN
---

# Idrissa Gueye Joins Al-Diriyah Following Departure From Everton

Midfielder Idrissa Gueye has signed with Saudi Pro League newcomers Al-Diriyah on a free transfer. The move follows a seven-year tenure at Everton where the Senegal international led the squad in defensive metrics.

## Key takeaways

- Idrissa Gueye has moved to Saudi Pro League side Al-Diriyah on a free transfer after failing to agree on a new Everton contract.
- The 36-year-old midfielder leaves Everton as their leader in tackles won and attempted over recent seasons.
- Al-Diriyah is pursuing further high-profile signings, including Malcom, which could impact Everton's Iliman Ndiaye.

## What Happened

Former Everton midfielder Idrissa Gueye has completed a move to the Saudi Pro League, signing with Al-Diriyah on a free transfer. The 36-year-old Senegal international joins the recently promoted club following the expiration of his contract with the Premier League side, as the two parties were unable to agree on extension terms last month.

## Background

Gueye’s departure marks the end of two distinct spells at Everton totaling seven years. After initially joining from Aston Villa in 2016, he spent three seasons at Goodison Park before a 2019 move to Paris Saint-Germain. He returned to Everton in 2022, eventually amassing 128 appearances during his second stint. His defensive work rate was a staple for the club; he attempted 364 tackles and won 214, leading all Everton players in those categories. During the 2024-25 season, Gueye recorded 133 attempted tackles and 80 successful tackles, the highest figures across Europe’s top five leagues.

## What Happens Next

Gueye joins defender Chancel Mbemba as a marquee acquisition for Al-Diriyah. The club is reportedly looking to further strengthen its squad with talks involving Al-Hilal’s Malcom. Such a move could trigger a chain of transfers in the Saudi league and the Premier League. Specifically, a potential Malcom exit from Al-Hilal may prompt the Riyadh-based club to pursue Everton’s Iliman Ndiaye, whom the English club values at £70 million. Everton is also reportedly engaged in separate negotiations to acquire Brennan Johnson from Crystal Palace in a deal involving Dwight McNeil.

## Key Facts

- Idrissa Gueye signed for Al-Diriyah on a free transfer at age 36.
- Al-Diriyah secured promotion to the Saudi Pro League at the end of last season.
- Gueye played 111 matches for Paris Saint-Germain between his two Everton stints.
- Everton values forward Iliman Ndiaye at £70 million amid interest from Al-Hilal.
- Gueye led the Premier League in tackles won (80) during the 2024-25 campaign.

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Canonical: https://projectchintan.com/article/idrissa-gueye-transfer-al-diriyah-everton-departure-ey5c5
Reported from: Multiple Sources