Idrissa Gana Gueye has completed a move to Saudi Arabia's Al-Diriyah, signing a one-year contract after leaving Everton as a free agent. The 38-year-old Senegalese midfielder turned down interest from Al-Ahli to join the newly promoted Roshn League club, marking another chapter in an illustrious European career that included stints at Lille, Aston Villa, Paris Saint-Germain, and the Premier League side.
Gueye's departure represents a significant coup for Al-Diriyah, who secured the midfielder ahead of fellow Saudi heavyweight Al-Ahli in the summer transfer market. Al-Ahli had identified the Senegal international as a potential replacement should Enzo Millot depart, but the club will now pivot toward Roma's Manu Koné as their midfield reinforcement under German manager Matthias Jaissle's regime.
A Career Spanning Europe's Top Leagues
Gueye's journey through European football began at Lille in 2010, where he developed into a reliable presence in the French league before pursuing opportunities abroad. His move to Aston Villa in 2015 proved brief, leading to a three-year tenure at Everton that established him as a Premier League fixture. Between 2019 and 2022, he competed for Paris Saint-Germain at the highest level, contributing to the French capital club's ambitions before returning to the Toffees for a second spell.
Last season in the Premier League, Gueye appeared in 25 matches for Everton, recording two goals and three assists—demonstrating he retained quality throughout his time on Merseyside. His international resume includes representation at the 2026 World Cup qualifiers for Senegal across four competitive fixtures, underscoring his continued relevance at elite level football.
The signing of Gueye signals Al-Diriyah's ambitions following promotion to the Saudi professional tier. With an experienced midfielder now anchoring their operations, the club aims to establish credibility in the league's competitive landscape during the 2024-25 campaign.
