Over recent years, Everton have become a sleeping giant who ultimately have failed to emulate the success of previous generations who made them one of England’s biggest clubs.

The Toffees have endured a run of a decade without any form of European football, with qualification for such a stage previously an expectation demanded from the supporters.

During his second spell as manager on Merseyside, David Moyes will be hoping to end such a drought and lead the side back to the heights they previously achieved.

However, if the Scotsman is to bring the glory days back to the North West in the near future, he will have to do so without one of the club’s modern-day legends.

It’s very rare that players in the modern day are able to have two successful separate spells at the same club, but Idrissa Gueye is a player who certainly falls into that category.

The Senegalese international was an influential part of the Toffees’ senior ranks between 2016-2019 and 2022-26 - often being one of the stars at the heart of the midfield.

He racked up 240 appearances during such periods on Merseyside, subsequently popping up with 10 goals across all competitions during his aforementioned outings.

His efforts at both ends of the pitch undoubtedly made him a fan favourite with the supporters, with the experienced star often offering a relentless presence.

However, at 37, the hierarchy decided that it was the right time to allow him to depart for pastures new and opted against handing him a new deal after his previous contract expired.

As a result, he’s since moved on to join Saudi Arabian side Al Diriyah and put an end to his remarkable period as a first-team regular as a Toffee.

2 How Everton have failed to replace Gueye this summer

Gueye’s subsequent departure from the Hill Dickinson left a huge hole at the heart of Moyes’ midfield - and one which has been failed to filled in recent months.

Christian Norgaard was the only midfield addition throughout the recent summer window, but the 32-year-old is yet to appear for the Toffees after arriving from Arsenal with a muscle issue.

The Danish international could well prove to be a solid addition, but given his age and injury concerns, it remains to be seen how successful he is on Merseyside.

Academy graduate Harrison Armstrong is another player who has operated in such a role since the Senegalese international’s departure, and has partnered James Garner at the heart of the side.

Both players are primarily ball-playing options who prefer to be in possession, with the side currently lacking the dominant ball-winner that was provided with Gueye’s presence.

1 How Everton can land the next Gueye this winter

After the struggles during the closing stages of the summer transfer window, Angus Kinnear has seen himself become a target of criticism from the Everton fanbase.

However, he does have the opportunity to resurrect the faith shown in him during the upcoming winter window and land players to help bolster Moyes’ senior squad.

The central midfield department is one that could be improved, and links to a possible move to sign Juventus star Teun Koopmeiners emerge in recent days.

It’s been reported by TEAMtalk that the Toffees explored a move for the Dutchman during the recent window and could revisit a possible move in the months ahead.

The Italian giants are said to want to keep hold of the 28-year-old at present, but could well decide to part ways with the experienced star if an offer of £21m is presented.

The former Atalanta man may be an unknown name to many supporters, but he’s a player who possesses serious quality and one who could replace the talent of Gueye.

His stats from the ongoing campaign demonstrate his remarkable quality without the ball, and hand Moyes the ball-winner he craves at the heart of the side.

Koopmeiners has won a remarkable tally of 2.1 aerial duels per 90 so far in 2026/27, which has seen him often regain possession for his side this term.

His subsequent figure has seen him better 96% of players in his position, which showcases his remarkable ability to disrupt the opposition’s progress.

The Dutchman has also managed to win an impressive tally of 6.2 ball recoveries per 90 this campaign, also placing him above 85% of midfielders in Europe’s top-five leagues.

Such a quality demonstrates his phenomenal ability to break up the play at the heart of the side, which could see him emulate the quality of Gueye on Merseyside.

£21m for a player of his quality would be a phenomenal piece of business from Kinnear and one which would solve a massive issue in the senior ranks.

Gueye’s departure has left a massive hole within Moyes’ ranks over recent weeks, with Koopmeiners a player who’s more than capable of offering the goods for years to come.