Fabrizio Romano has confirmed that Everton winger Demarai Gray is on his way to Al Ettifaq after a long-running transfer saga.
Gray has been pushing for an exit for quite some time and it now seems as if the 27-year-old winger has been granted his wish.
The Everton man had initially been a target for Al Hilal, but this move eventually fell through. Things recently turned sour between Gray and the club as he took a swipe at Sean Dyche and the Everton hierarchy on social media.
“Everton fans have always been great with me, but it’s so difficult to play for someone who doesn’t respect you as a person,” Gray stated on Instagram.
Dyche responded to these comments and claimed that a deal had not yet been agreed with the club: “Demarai told us a move was done, which was interesting to hear.
“We reminded him of the truth of the fact that no moves are done without this club’s say so. That’s the truth of it.
“This club will make decisions on the future of you as players and not the other way around. It’s an unfortunate one because I try to keep our business in-house. I think on this occasion, it’s right to reply.”
The move seems to have advanced since Dyche commented on the speculation and Gray now looks set to pen a lucrative deal with Al Ettifaq.
Romano has provided the latest update on the player and how much Everton can expect to get out of the deal.
“Demarai Gray to Al Ettifaq, here we go! Deal agreed for $10m fee on permanent transfer — it will be signed today,” Romano confirmed.
“Everton have approved the deal, Gray will sign four year contract until 2027 and he already completed medical tests. Done, sealed.”
Jordan Henderson is a fellow Premier League star who has signed for Al Ettifaq this summer. The former Liverpool captain has come under fire for making the move.
Gray clearly didn’t see eye to eye with Dyche and the Everton boss will probably be pleased to have this transfer saga over and done with.
Considering the player was pushing for the exit door and he was now entering the final year of his contract, the club have done well to receive around £8m.
The 27-year-old was a regular starter under Frank Lampard, but his minutes seemed to diminish upon Dyche’s arrival. Gray played a total of 75 matches for the Toffees and scored 12 goals in that time.
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