- Everton are scouting Ivory Coast full-back Guela Doue at World Cup
- Doue impressed at right-back as Ivory Coast beat Ecuador in opener
- Moyes still needs a long-term right-back to replace veteran Coleman now
Everton have been keeping close tabs on Ivory Coast full-back Guela Doue, according to Football Insider, after the Strasbourg defender impressed in his side’s opening World Cup win over Ecuador.
Doue started at right-back as Ivory Coast edged past Ecuador, helping his side to a clean sheet before Amad Diallo’s 90th-minute winner settled the contest. David Moyes has travelled to North America, as part of his talkSPORT pundit brief, and will watch some of his targets in person this summer. Doue is one of the names on that list.
Why Moyes needs a new right-back
The interest isn’t new. Doue emerged as a target before the transfer window even opened, with Everton’s right-back position still unresolved. Seamus Coleman’s retirement leaves a real gap there, and Nathan Patterson’s recurring fitness problems and apparent desire to leave mean Moyes can’t rely on him as the obvious heir.
Jake O’Brien has filled in at right-back at times, but his long-term future is at centre-back, not out wide.
Doue fits what Everton are missing. Now 23 and a regular for Strasbourg since his move from Rennes in 2024, he’s contributed three goals and nine assists in just over 50 appearances – decent numbers for a full-back – and he can also play centre-back or sit in midfield when needed.
That versatility is the kind of thing Moyes tends to value.
Scouting interest, not yet an approach
Everton haven’t made a formal approach to Strasbourg. Doue isn’t the only name on the shortlist either – Torino’s Raoul Bellanova has also been linked as an alternative option at right-back. The World Cup is giving every interested club a close, public look at how Doue handles the pressure, so that shortlist is more likely to be settled than extended by the time the tournament reaches its knockout rounds.
A strong run for Ivory Coast cuts both ways for Everton. It would back up what scouts have already seen, but it would also push up Doue’s price and draw more competition for his signature.
Strasbourg paid a modest fee for him two years ago and have little reason to sell cheaply if his form continues.
Stay with Read Everton for the latest Everton news as the transfer window develops.
