David Moyes gives blunt response to Everton contracts question after Abdoulaye Doucoure message

The Everton manager was asked about the future of Doucoure and a number of players

14:21, 17 Apr 2025

Moyes at his press conference on Thursday(Image: Everton YouTube)

David Moyes has made it clear that Everton will not be dictated to by players who are out of contract in the coming months.

The Blues have a number of players who could become free agents this summer, with a whopping 14 squad members either at the end of their deals or the end of their loan agreements.

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The topic has been a big talking point since Everton's win at Nottingham Forest last weekend, when Abdoulaye Doucoure made it clear he was waiting for an offer from the club with his goal celebration.

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The midfielder gestured signing a deal and a phone call. He then said in his post-match interview that he was hoping to stay with the Blues, although Everton let an option to trigger Doucoure's contract for an extra year on the same terms expire.

Moyes was asked about the contract situation at his press conference on Thursday to preview the game against Manchester City in the Premier League and made it clear he believes the power is with the club, not the players.

"I think we've got a few as you all know that are coming out of contract," he said. "We're still in a situation where we want to make sure we keep everybody right. We'll not leave it until the last minute.

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"We'll certainly do it when we're ready. It won't be dictated by the players, they are under contract at the moment and the club will decide when to make decisions on the players."

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The Everton boss was then asked if the players can still impact the decisions over their futures with performances on the pitch.

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"Of course they can," said Moyes. "Their job is to influence to make it easier for the decision to go in their favour obviously."

In addition to Doucoure, Joao Virginia, Asmir Begovic, Seamus Coleman, Ashley Young, Mason Holgate, Idrissa Gueye and Dominic Calvert-Lewin all have deals set to expire in the coming weeks.

Meanwhile, Jack Harrison, Jesper Lindstrom, Orel Mangala, Carlos Alcaraz and Armando Broja are all currently on loan. Everton do have purchase options for Lindstrom, Alcaraz and Broja.