Everton transfer news as Al-Ettifaq maintain push to sign Demarai Gray, £7m exit still possible – Ben Jacobs
Saudi Arabia club Al-Ettifaq are still trying to sign Everton forward Demarai Gray despite the Toffees’ resistance, according to Ben Jacobs.
The reliable CBS journalist, taking to his personal Twitter account (5 September) shares that Gray’s exit is still possible and a deal could be done at around £7m with the wantaway forward pushing to exit Goodison Park.
The Jamaican international hit out at manager Sean Dyche on social media on Sunday [3 September] after the club blocked a move to Steven Gerrard’s Saudi side. [Ben Jacobs].
With the Saudi transfer window still open till 10pm on Thursday 7 September, Gerrard’s team are still pushing for an attacking transfer with Gray and Wolves’ Pablo Sarabia on their agenda.
Jacobs wrote: “Al-Ettifaq still trying for Demarai Gray despite Everton’s resistance. Deal could still be possible for around £7m because Gray is pushing.
“Al-Ettifaq are also considering Wolves’ Pablo Sarabia as another option. Interest is concrete but there is no agreement yet with Sarabia.”
Exit got to be sanctioned
Gray is yet to feature for Everton this season and, the Toffees’ stance on his potential exit was understandable as they were unable to secure a replacement due to the window closing.
However, with Gray’s exit now becoming a long drawn-out saga potentially ruining the morale and progress around Dyche’s camp at Everton, the Toffees simply have to grant him his wish to leave.
Everton simply can’t afford to keep an unhappy player in the camp right now especially with the club still struggling to get points on the board in the Premier League.
The former Leicester City star 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 Dyche.
After recent criticism on social media, there doesn’t seem to be a way back for the forward at Goodison Park and it’s about time Everton sever ties with the Jamaican international. £7m could prove very useful in the long run.
Accept the offer.
In other Everton news, Dyche could make a brutal Calvert-Lewin call when he returns from injury after an impressive new player development.