Sunderland are weighing a free transfer swoop for Abdoulaye Doucoure after Everton confirmed his exit as a free agent on June 30, 2025, according to Football Insider. The 32-year-old midfielder, a key figure for the Toffees with 36 appearances, four goals, and two assists in the 2024-25 season, is on Sunderland’s radar as they prepare for their Premier League return following play-off promotion. With manager Régis Le Bris closing in on high-profile signings like Strasbourg’s Habib Diarra and Atlético Madrid’s Reinildo, Doucoure’s 278 Premier League appearances make him a prime target to add experience. However, competition from Saudi Pro League clubs and Sunderland’s cautious approach could complicate the deal as the transfer window, open until September 1, 2025, progresses.
Sunderland’s interest in Doucoure, reported by Football Insider, follows their promotion via the Championship play-offs and the £25 million sale of Jobe Bellingham to Borussia Dortmund in early June 2025. Régis Le Bris, aiming to avoid relegation—bookmakers list Sunderland as odds-on to go down—seeks experienced players for their tough opening fixtures against West Ham, Burnley, and Brentford. The Northern Echo confirms Sunderland are “very close” to signing Strasbourg’s Habib Diarra for £15 million and Atlético Madrid’s Reinildo on a free transfer, with both deals expected to be finalized soon. Doucoure’s experience, highlighted by his role in Everton’s 2022-23 survival, aligns with Le Bris’ strategy.
However, Football Insider notes that Sunderland have not yet advanced their interest, with Saudi Pro League clubs, including Al-Ettifaq, offering lucrative two-year deals worth £100,000 per week. The Sun reported on June 28, 2025, that Doucoure’s preference for staying in the Premier League could favor Sunderland, but their £20 million budget limits their ability to compete with Saudi wages . An X post from @SunderlandAFCFan on June 29, 2025, stated, “Doucoure’s a coup on a free, but Saudi money might sway him”.
Sunderland’s pursuit of Doucoure faces competition from Saudi clubs, with HITC noting Al-Ettifaq’s interest, led by Steven Gerrard, who previously targeted Doucoure in 2023. Football Insider reported on June 22, 2025, that Lens also enquired, but Doucoure’s Premier League preference gives Sunderland an edge. Le Bris sees Doucoure as a mentor for young midfielders like Chris Rigg, complementing Diarra’s dynamism and Reinildo’s defensive versatility. Chronicle Live suggests Sunderland’s strategy mirrors their signing of Jordan Henderson, aiming for proven Premier League quality.
Everton’s focus on younger midfielders like Leicester’s Wilfred Ndidi and Strasbourg’s Diarra, per Goodison News, underscores their decision to release Doucoure. The Athletic notes that Moyes’ rebuild prioritizes players like James McAtee, reducing the need for Doucoure’s £75,000 weekly wage. Sunderland’s financial constraints, despite a £10 million loan fee for Wilson Isidor, mean a free transfer for Doucoure is ideal, but they must act swiftly.
Sunderland fans are excited, with @RokerReporton X stating, “Doucoure on a free would be massive. His experience could keep us up” (Post:). Everton supporters, per @ToffeeTVEFC, expressed sadness: “Gutted to lose Doucoure, but he’ll smash it at Sunderland”. Pundit Jamie Carragher, on Sky Sports (June 29, 2025), praised Doucoure’s “underrated” work rate, urging Sunderland to secure him. The Northern Echo quoted Le Bris, who called Doucoure a “potential game-changer” for their survival bid. However,@TransferNewson X warned on June 30, 2025, that Saudi interest could “derail” Sunderland’s plans.
Sunderland’s hesitation to advance their interest risks losing Doucoure to Saudi clubs, whose financial offers outstrip the Black Cats’ £30,000-£50,000 weekly wage capacity. Doucoure’s desire to stay in the Premier League, per The Sun, aligns with Sunderland’s needs, but their focus on finalizing Diarra and Reinildo deals may delay negotiations. Football Insider notes that Doucoure’s age and recent dip in goals (4 in 2024-25 vs. 7 in 2023-24) could concern Le Bris, who prefers dynamic midfielders. Everton’s release of Doucoure, despite his 7.2 recoveries per 90, reflects their youth-driven strategy, per FBref.
For Sunderland, signing Doucoure would provide leadership and stability in midfield, crucial for their relegation fight, especially alongside Diarra and Reinildo. His 1.1 key passes and 2.0 tackles per 90 offer balance, per Sofascore. For Doucoure, Sunderland offers regular Premier League minutes, vital for his Mali national team role, but Saudi riches could secure his financial future. If Sunderland miss out, alternatives like Leicester’s Boubacar Soumaré are on their radar, per HITC. As of June 30, 2025, Sunderland’s interest in free agent Abdoulaye Doucoure, reported by Football Insider, offers a chance to bolster their midfield after his Everton exit. With 278 Premier League appearances and deals for Habib Diarra and Reinildo nearing completion, Doucoure could be a coup for Régis Le Bris’ side. However, Saudi Pro League interest and Sunderland’s cautious approach pose risks. As the transfer window progresses, Doucoure’s decision—Premier League survival with Sunderland or a lucrative Saudi move—will shape the Black Cats’ preparations for a challenging 2025-26 campaign.