Demarai Gray has sealed a deadline day move to Al Etiffaq in Saudi Arabia after he fell out with his former coach at Everton, Sean Dyche.
Demarai Gray became a transfer issue at Everton this summer as reports emerged he was looking for a move away from the club before European transfer window closed.
He was linked to a move to Premier League rivals Fulham after the London side lost star striker and Serbian footballer Aleksandar Mitrovic to Al Hilal.
European transfer window closed without Demarai Gray completing his desired Everton exit but there was a lifeline exit route for the Jamaican forward as Steven Gerrard’s Al Etiffaq were lining up a move for the player.
Meanwhile, tensions between Demarai Gray and Everton manager, Sean Dyche escalated.
Sean Dyche complained of Gray refusing to train with the team while Gray countered the England gaffer saying he has not been valued by the club and is being unfairly treated by Sean Dyche.
Sean Dyche axed off Gray from Everton lineup due to the fallout. Gray did not make a single appearance for the club this season before sealing the move to Saudi Arabia.
Futballnews understands Demarai Gray wanted an exit from Goodison Park while the club were reluctant to sanction his exit with a year remaining on his contract.
Sean Dyche’s decision to remove him from the squad followed Gray’s decision to push for an exit from the club.
Everton signed Gray from Bayer Leverkusen in 2021 with a three-year contract offer. The 27-year-old has spent two seasons at Goodison Park, making 76 appearances for the club, and scoring 12 goals.
Gray has now sealed a move to Al Etiffaq after the fallout with Sean Dyche. He has reportedly agreed a four-year contract with the club till 2027. Everton have not disclosed the value of the deal but sources close to the club revealed the Merseysiders have pocketed £8m from the deal, marking a significant increase from the £1.6m they bought the player from Bayer Leverkusen.
Demarai Gray confirmed his Everton exit in a message of appreciation to the club and fans for their support.
“After two years with Everton, it’s time to say goodbye.
“I wish everyone at the club the very best and will be forever proud to have played for this great team,” he said.
Everton also confirmed the departure of the Jamaican forward with a club statement which reads:
“Everton have sold Demarai Gray to Al-Ettifaq on a permanent transfer for an undisclosed fee.
“Gray moves on after the Blues opted to sell the 27-year-old forward to the Saudi Arabian club. It brings an end to his two-year spell on Merseyside, having signed from Bayer Leverkusen in 2021.”
Demarai Gray joins the list of Everton former first team of players such as Moise Kean and Alex Iwobi who have exited the club this summer.
He is the newest Premier League and European recruit to the Saudi Pro League and will join Liverpool legend Jordan Henderson and former PSG and Liverpool star Georginio Wijnaldum in the new-ly promoted Saudi Pro League side managed by Liverpool legend and former Aston Villa and Celtic boss, Steven Gerrard.
