Everton have reached a personal agreement with Villarreal midfielder Pape Gueye over a move worth up to €33m (£27.8m), as the Premier League club step up plans to strengthen their midfield.
The 27-year-old Senegal international is understood to have accepted contract terms with the Toffees, with Spanish outlet Fichajes reporting a fee of €28m plus a potential €5m in add-ons has been put on the table.
The transfer is described as being at an advanced stage, but still hinges on the final details being settled between the two clubs.
From free transfer to major sale
Gueye, signed by Villarreal on a free transfer from Olympique de Marseille in 2024, has rapidly become one of the pillars of the “Yellow Submarine”.
In his debut La Liga campaign he played 30 matches, scoring five goals and providing two assists, form that earned him the award for Best African Player in the Spanish top flight.
His performances for Senegal at the 2026 World Cup further heightened interest across Europe, pushing his valuation higher in the summer market.
Villarreal now stand to make a substantial profit on a player they signed for nothing. The Spanish club had been holding out for more than €40m during the winter window, but are now prepared to accept what is viewed in Spain as a more realistic offer while planning for life without their defensive midfielder.
Premier League dream drives move
Gueye had interest from several clubs as early as last winter, with Turkish giants Galatasaray particularly keen to prise him away from La Liga.
However, the midfielder opted to remain at Villarreal at the time to focus on his World Cup campaign with Senegal.
His long-standing ambition to play in the Premier League is now said to be a key factor driving his move. Gueye is believed to view English football as especially suited to his blend of physical power and technical ability, which has encouraged Everton to push hard to secure his signature.
Moyes targets power and verticality
For Everton manager David Moyes, Pape Gueye is seen as an ideal recruit to reshape a midfield that often looked stretched last season.
The Senegalese is regarded as athletic, combative and adept at playing vertically – carrying the ball forward and breaking opposition lines – attributes Moyes has prioritised as he looks to make Everton more dynamic in central areas.
His arrival would also add depth and competition alongside fellow Senegal internationals Idrissa Gana Gueye and Iliman Ndiaye, creating a strong West African core within the squad.
Villarreal to reinvest as valuation soars
Gueye is under contract with Villarreal until 30 June 2028 and is currently valued at around €40m on Transfermarkt, underlining the scale of the financial opportunity for the Spanish side.
He is reported to earn an annual salary of €1.88m (approximately 1.22bn CFA francs) in Spain, a figure Everton are expected to improve as part of the personal agreement already in place.
While Villarreal will lose one of their on-field leaders, the anticipated fee is set to free up significant funds for reinforcements as they look to rebuild their midfield and remain competitive in La Liga and European competition.
Both clubs are now working to finalise the remaining aspects of the deal, with Everton hopeful of completing the transfer in time for Gueye to join pre-season preparations on Merseyside.
