Demarai Gray passes Al-Ettifaq medical as Everton transfer news emerges
Everton winger Demarai Gray has completed a medical ahead of joining Saudi Arabian side Al Ettifaq and is expected to be officially announced soon, according to Ahmed Ragab.
The Saudi Arabian journalist shared the news via his personal Twitter account on 6 September, hailing the “great work” done by Al-Ettifaq’s head of recruitment Hatem Al-Mishal.
Gray now looks set to join the side managed by Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard, after the two clubs agreed on a £10million transfer fee [Alan Myers, 6 September].
The best outcome for all parties
As much as Everton need bodies for depth at the club, particularly having lost Alex Iwobi on deadline day, it is more important that the players who are at the club have the right attitude and desire to play for them.
Gray clearly wanted out, having not trained with the club since arriving back from international duty with Jamaica in the Gold Cup, and was heavily linked with a move away from Goodison Park throughout the transfer window with both Premier League and Saudi clubs linked.
Everton recently rejected an offer from Al-Ettifaq, leading to Gray posting a message on Instagram claiming people at the club do not respect him as a person, in an attack seemingly focused at Dyche – the Everton boss since revealed he had told Gray he will only leave when the club allow him to [The Mirror, 6 September].
In the wake of all of the drama, a bid has finally been accepted, and Gray will leave the club before the Saudi transfer deadline on 7 September, in a split that ultimately seems to be the best decision for all parties involved, particularly for Gray.
In other Everton news, the club have completed a new transfer outside of the window.