Real Madrid are reportedly weighing up the prospect of signing 29-year-old midfielder Abdoulaye Doucoure from Everton in the summer.
According to a report by Spanish outlet Fichajes, Abdoulaye Doucoure is the subject of interest from Real Madrid over a possible move in the summer transfer window. Carlo Ancelotti is keen on reuniting with the 29-year-old Everton midfielder at the Santiago Bernabeu next season.
Abdoulaye Doucoure has been one of the most underrated players in England since joining Watford half a dozen years ago. After a solid four-year stint with Watford, the French midfielder joined Everton in September 2020 following the Hornets’ relegation to the Championship.
The 29-year-old has continued to go from strength to strength in the last 18 months, making 51 appearances for the Toffees while chipping in with five goals and seven assists in the process. Doucoure’s progress at Everton has duly been noted by one of his former managers, with Carlo Ancelotti seeking a reunion with him at Real Madrid in the summer.
At first glance, Doucoure might not strike someone as a player who fits the scheme of things at Real Madrid. But with Dani Ceballos and Isco facing uncertain futures at the Santiago Bernabeu, the Everton midfielder could be a player worth investing in to be back up to the first-choice midfielders Luka Modric, Toni Kroos and Casemiro.
With Modric and Kroos approaching the end of their glittering careers, Doucoure will likely get ample opportunities to impress, especially with Carlo Ancelotti well-versed with his best qualities. The 29-year-old could be a cheaper alternative to another of Real Madrid’s target Kalvin Phillips, especially considering he is unlikely to start regularly.
Real Madrid should fancy their chances of snapping up the Frenchman on the cheap, as he has entered the final 18 months of his contract with Everton. For their part, the Toffees will likely look to tie Doucoure down to a new long-term contract.
Failure to do so will prompt Everton to cash in on Doucoure in the summer, giving Ancelotti a solid chance of reuniting with his former charge at Goodison Park. It is unclear if Doucoure will be ready to join Real Madrid, although after playing his best football under Ancelotti, the Merengues should fancy their prospects.