Demarai Gray has confirmed his departure from Everton for Saudi Arabia.
During Rafa Benitez’s tenure at the Blues, the wide player was a revelation.
Demarai Gray has left Everton with a year left on his contract, joining Saudi Arabian club Al-Ettifaq for an undisclosed amount, rumoured to be between £8m and £10m.
The 27-year-old winger leaves the Blues after appearing 75 times in two difficult relegation battles, scoring 12 goals and assisting six times. Gray scored some memorable goals during that time, including a late winner against Arsenal and laying on the cross that allowed Dominic Calvert-Lewin to score with a diving header to beat Crystal Palace and save the Blues from relegation in 2021/22.
Gray joined the Blues for a pittance of a fee, barely €2 million from Bayer Leverkusen. Prior to that, he led Leicester City to the Premier League title in the 2015/16 season.
His time at the club, however, finishes on a sour note due to a breakdown in his relationship with manager Sean Dyche.
Gray expressed his displeasure on social media last weekend when a move fell through after the Premier League transfer deadline. Dyche had just announced that the winger would be reintegrated into the team after missing all of pre-season and the club’s first five matches.
“It’s time to say goodbye after two years with Everton.”
“I wish everyone at the club the best of luck and will be eternally grateful for the opportunity to have played for this fantastic team.” Thank you to all of the fans who have always been so supportive. You made wearing the shirt a luxury.
“Throughout the summer, there has been a lot of conjecture about my condition. The truth is that I gave my everything to this club on and off the field, in good times and bad. I was prepared to play as much football as possible this season, but it appeared that this would not be the case.
“It’s time to move on to the next chapter.” I am match fit and eager to get started. Thank you very much, Demarai.”
We wish Gray the best of luck in his future endeavors and appreciate him for some of his critical achievements in ensuring our Premier League status.
