Everton may now force Demarai Gray to pack his bags as transfer news emerges
Everton could make a sizeable profit on Demarai Gray if he seals a move to Al-Hilal and the Saudi Pro League’s heavy war chest may force him out the Goodison Park exit door.
Sky Sports reported earlier on 25 May that Saudi side Al Hilal were looking to add the Jamaica international to former Wolves star Ruben Neves as they target Premier League players, with talks planned for the coming week.
Sky Sports journalist Alan Myers then confirmed the report on Sunday evening [25 June] claiming that the former Leicester City man was attracting interest from four clubs including the oil-rich Saudi outfit.
Taking to his personal Twitter account, he said: “Four clubs in for Demarai Gray, including Al Hilal with what has been described as a ‘good offer’ looks likely he will leave the club this summer.”
Everton are desperate for funds right now, following their FFP restrictions and the reported need to sell some of their prized assets to stem their financial tide.
And according to the Daily Mirror [26 June], Everton are set to make a sizeable profit on Gray should he seals a move to the Saudi Pro League this summer, and given the money they’re currently throwing at clubs and players already, the Toffees may well be inclined to force Gray out of Goodison Park.
The former Leicester City man was signed from Bayer Leverkusen for just £1.7m in 2021. However, things haven’t quite turned out well during his two years at the club with Everton avoiding relegation in consecutive seasons and his lack of starts under Sean Dyche.
It looked pretty clear what Dyche thought of the new Jamaican international leaving him on the bench on several occasions last term, when Everton were in desperate need of attacking inspiration.
Such treatment will not have pleased Gray one bit and that will have given him all the hints he needed to try and seek pastures new elsewhere and the money he could receive in Saudi Arabia may be too good to turn down.
Everton will certainly be laughing to the bank should they receive a healthy pay package for Gray’s signature, and with his contract having just a year to run, the Blues can still command a healthy and much-needed fee to sell.
However, Gray’s departure would still represent a huge shame for the club, given their lack of attacking weaponry right now and there are no guarantees the Toffees would be able to replace him, with the club falling well behind rivals in their recruitment.
On his day, the former Leicester City man is indeed unplayable possessing great skill, speed, technical acumen and influence in the final third to be an effective winger at any club in the Premier League.
Previously hailed as “inspirational” by Martin Keown – the Everton winger possesses undeniable pace and creativity which could cause chaos for any defence, averaging 1.2 key passes, 1.7 shots on goal and one successful dribble per game last season.
Gray may well be feeling his time is up at Everton. The Birmingham-born wing wizard is now reaching his peak years, with him turning 27 at the end of this month and he certainly doesn’t want to be settling for a place on the bench any longer.
His career is stagnating somewhat, and it’s clear Dyche no longer sees him as a crucial part of his Goodison revolution. It may be time to cut ties, and don’t be surprised to see Everton swiftly accept an offer from Al-Hilal should a hefty bid arrive in the coming days.