Everton Football Club is reportedly nearing an agreement with Al-Ettifaq for the £8 million sale of winger Demarai Gray. The player recently made headlines after appearing to criticize his current boss, Sean Dyche, in a social media post.
According to sources, negotiations between Everton and Al-Ettifaq are progressing well, and an agreement is expected to be reached soon. Gray’s potential move to the Saudi Arabian club comes after he expressed his frustration on social media, leading to speculation about his future at Burnley.
Gray joined Burnley from Leicester City in January 2021 but has struggled to establish himself as a regular starter under Dyche. The 25-year-old winger has made only six appearances for the Clarets this season, prompting speculation about a potential exit.
The Englishman’s recent social media post, which has since been deleted, appeared to criticize Dyche’s tactics and decision-making. This led to further doubts about Gray’s future at Burnley and sparked interest from other clubs, including Al-Ettifaq.
Al-Ettifaq, who currently compete in the Saudi Professional League, have expressed their interest in signing Gray. Talks between the two clubs have progressed positively, with Everton likely to receive £8 million for the player’s services.
Gray’s potential move to Al-Ettifaq would mark a new chapter in his career, providing him with the opportunity to revive his playing time and showcase his skills in a different league. The winger has shown promise in the past, particularly during his time at Leicester City, where he made over 150 appearances and won the Premier League title in the 2015-2016 season.
If the deal goes through, Gray will join a growing list of English players who have made the move to the Saudi Arabian league in recent years. Players such as Fabian Delph, Callum Wilson, and Ryan Babel have all ventured to the Middle East in search of new challenges and opportunities.
While Everton will be losing a talented player in Gray, the potential transfer could benefit both parties involved. Gray would have the chance to play regular football and regain his form, while Everton would receive a significant fee for a player who has struggled for game time this season.
As negotiations continue, it remains to be seen how quickly the deal will be finalized. However, if all goes well, Demarai Gray could soon be on his way to Al-Ettifaq, ready to embark on a new adventure in Saudi Arabia.
