Everton winger Demarai Gray has completed a move to Saudi Pro League team Al-Ettifaq following a public falling out with his former Premier League club, as per reports. Although no official details have been disclosed, it is believed that Al-Ettifaq paid a transfer fee of eight million pounds ($9.98 million) to secure the services of Gray, who has signed a four-year contract.
Sean Dyche, the manager of Everton, publicly criticized Gray this week, stating that the player had displayed a lack of commitment towards training and showed a disinterest in staying at the club. Gray had earlier expressed his frustration on Instagram, stating, “It’s so difficult to play for someone who doesn’t show you respect as a person.”
Gray, who had not featured for Everton in the current season, joined the Merseyside club in 2021 from Bayer Leverkusen. He made a total of 75 appearances for Everton, scoring 12 goals during his time there. “I gave my all to this club on and off the pitch through good and bad,” said Gray in a statement released by Al-Ettifaq. He also expressed his disappointment at the lack of playing time he anticipated for the current season and stated, “It’s time for my next chapter.”
Born in Birmingham, Gray was formerly an England youth international but recently switched his allegiance to Jamaica. He has earned five caps for the Jamaican national team.
Under the guidance of former Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard, Al-Ettifaq has made notable signings, including Jordan Henderson and Georginio Wijnaldum, who also previously played at Anfield. Additionally, they have acquired Moussa Dembele from Olympique Lyonnais.
The transfer fee paid by Al-Ettifaq amounts to approximately eight million pounds, equivalent to $9.98 million at the current exchange rate.
(Reporting by Hritika Sharma in Hyderabad; Editing by Ken Ferris)
Credit: The Star : Sport Feed
