Demarai Gray had his physical on Wednesday and is expected to leave Everton before 10 p.m.
According to the Daily Star, Everton winger Demarai Gray has finished his physical with Al-Ettifaq and will join the Saudi club before the 10 p.m. deadline on Thursday [7 September].
Gray’s departure to Steven Gerrard’s team might cost Everton up to £10 million, according to David Maddock in the newspaper’s print version [7 September, page 44].
The Toffees initially vetoed the Jamaica international’s release from Goodison Park, only to soften their stance when Al-Ettifaq came in with a better offer that included add-ons.
According to the Daily Star, “the former Leicester winger had a medical last night after an improved offer from Steven Gerrard’s Al-Ettifaq paved the way for a deal worth up to £10 million.”
“Gray is expected to complete his switch before the Saudi transfer window closes today.”
No returning
The last thing Everton wanted was for the Saudi transfer window, or the Turkish one the following week, to close without a contract for Gray.
Last week, the 27-year-old, who has yet to appear in a matchday squad this season, took a shot at manager Sean Dyche on social media.
Dyche has since stated that Everton will always have the ultimate say on Gray’s future, and it appears that he will depart the Toffees in the coming hours.
Raising £10 million for Gray is not a bad investment when you know he is expected to join Everton for about £1.7 million in 2021.
However, Dyche could have invested that money back into the squad while the British transfer market was still open.
As it stands, Everton’s already dismal offense will be further weakened until January.
Still, with this undesired story behind him, Dyche can concentrate on getting the most out of the players who do want to be at Goodison Park.
Meanwhile, Match of the Day pundit Robyn Cowen believes “something is just not quite right” at Goodison Park.
