Updated Just days after it looked as though Demarai Gray might stay at Everton after all, the player has now joined Al Ettifaq in an £8m deal, further depleting Sean Dyche’s squad.
The manager was asked about Gray’s future after Saturday’s 2-2 draw at Sheffield United and he indicated that he expected the former Bayer Leverkusen man to stay following the closure of the British transfer window and the collapse of his proposed move to Al Shabag in the Saudio Pro League.
However, in the interim it emerged that rivals Al Ettifaq had come in with an offer which was initially rejected by Everton who were apparently concerned by the lack of numbers in their squad following further departures on deadline day.
The player, though, was keen to make the move and his decision to post an image to Instagram complaining that it was hard to play for someone who doesn’t “show you respect as a person” prompted Dyche to respond publicly himself in an interview on evertonfc.com yesterday in which he criticised Gray for trying to push through a move away from Goodison Park.
The events of the past few days essentially made the relationship between the pair untenable and left the club with little option but to acquiesce and agree to Gray’s sale once they had received a suitable offer from Al Ettifaq. That was concluded on Wednesday with his departure from Everton finally announced on Thursday, 7 September.
The Saudi outfit, managed by former Aston Villa boss, Steven Gerrard, reportedly had an offer accepted yesterday and with Gray having now passed a medical and agreed terms on a four-year deal, his departure has all but been confirmed after two years with the Toffees since he was signed from the Bundesliga for just £1.7m.
Writing on his Instagram account after the move was announced, Gray said: “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. To the fans, you were always incredible – thank you for your support. You made it a privilege to wear the shirt.
“There has been a lot of speculation about my situation all summer. The truth is, I gave my all to this club on and off the pitch through good and bad. I was ready to play as much as football as possible this season but it felt like this was not going to happen.
“It’s time for my next chapter. I am match fit and excited to get playing.”