Football
Exclusive: Sean Dyche Eyes Reunion with Abdoulaye Doucoure in Nottingham Forest Revamp
New Nottingham Forest boss Dyche eyes former Everton midfielder Doucoure for Premier League return despite age concerns. Edu may block move due to age and lack of resale value. Doucoure keen on reunion following limited spell in Saudi. Forest in need of his physical presence and experience.
Nottingham Forest FC v Everton FC - Premier League by NurPhoto | Getty Images
Sean Dyche hopes to offer Abdoulaye Doucoure a third crack at the Premier League, SportsBoom can exclusively reveal.
The new Nottingham Forest boss is a huge fan of the Mali international, following their spell together at Everton.
Now in charge at the City Ground, having replaced Ange Postecoglou earlier this month, our sources have been told Dyche is now keen to resurrect his partnership with Doucoure at the earliest possible opportunity.
But the former Goodison Park chief’s wish could be scuppered by Forest’s Global Head of Football Edu, whose successful power struggle with Nuno Espirito Santo proved the catalyst for Postecoglou’s short-lived appointment.
In charge of overseeing recruitment across owner Evangelos Marinakis’ portfolio of clubs, which includes Greek giants Olympiacos, the Brazilian is responsible for shaping the Midlanders’ recruitment policy and could view Doucoure’s age - he is due to turn 33 in January - as a hindrance given the Greek shipping magnate’s preference for players with a significant resale value.
Nevertheless, the fact he is unlikely to command a significant transfer fee could persuade Edu and Marinakis to allow Dyche to press ahead with his interest in working again with a midfielder who was a lynchpin of his team on Merseyside.
Sinking in Saudi
Doucoure has made only a handful of appearances for Neom since heading to Saudi Arabia over the summer and, according to sources, would be keen to link-up with Dyche once again despite settling in the Middle East.
His combative style and physical presence would make him a welcome addition to a Forest squad which has struggled badly since Nuno’s departure at the beginning of the campaign - particularly given the way Dyche likes to organise his sides.
Doucoure netted 21 times in 155 appearances for Everton, having hit the target 17 times in 141 during four seasons in the top-flight with Watford before heading to the North-West.
He started his career with Rennes and also represented Granada on loan after first heading to Hertfordshire.
Shane is an experienced sports journalist with over a decade on the front line, covering everything from football to horse racing. A familiar face in the snooker pressroom, his work regularly appears in the Daily Mirror, Daily Express, and Daily Star, alongside SportsBoom.
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