Demarai Gray speaks out as Everton block transfer opportunities – Fabrizio Romano
Demarai Gray has spoken out about his blocked transfer opportunities after the winger remained at Everton after deadline day.
As reported by Fabrizio Romano (3 September), the Jamaican international shared his well-wishes to the Everton fans, but criticised the club for not showing him “respect as a person”.
The former Leicester City man, according to Alan Myers (1 September), was subject to an offer from a Saudi Arabian club but the Toffees did not sanction the move.
Gray said: “Everton fans have always been great with me — but it’s so difficult to play for someone who doesn’t show you respect as a person.”
Tension
When players actively come out and speak against their employer, it rarely spells anything good.
Gray clearly does not want his future to lie in Merseyside amid continuing speculation about a move to Saudi over the transfer window.
The Daily Mail reported (1 September) that Saudi clubs would continue to target European players after the transfer window shut across the continent, as their window does not close until 7 September.
This could provide Gray hope that he can still get a move, and releasing a statement of this nature is likely his way of pressuring the Everton hierarchy to let him go.
The Birmingham-born winger is yet to make an appearance for the club so far this season while Sean Dyche’s side struggled in the opening stages of the season.
While their first goal and point was earned at Bramall Lane on Saturday (2 September), Gray seemingly wants no association with the club anymore.
Gray has hinted at some behind-the-scenes issues, claiming the hierarchy showed him no respect. Time will tell what Gray’s future holds, but the Goodison Park faithful may have seen the last of him after two seasons as a Toffee.
In other Everton news, a Sky Sports pundit was wowed by a Toffees player’s performance in their 2-2 Premier League clash against Sheffield United.