By Lewis Steele For Mailonline
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Demarai Gray has completed an £8million switch from Merseyside to Saudi Arabia, with the Everton winger joining up with Steven Gerrard and Jordan Henderson’s club Al-Ettifaq, and he could not resist a parting shot at Sean Dyche.
Gray, who joined the Toffees for £1.7m from Bayer Leverkusen in 2021, said on Sunday it was ‘difficult to play for someone who doesn’t show you respect as a person’ after Everton blocked his attempts to leave before the English transfer deadline.
Manager Dyche replied: ‘Demarai made it clear that he felt he was getting a move and he told us a move was done, which was interesting to hear from a player. We reminded him of the truth of the fact that no moves are done without this club’s say so.’
But Gray, who scored 12 goals in 75 games for Everton, resumed talks with Al-Ettifaq this week and the club have confirmed a move for the 27-year-old on today’s Saudi transfer deadline.
Gray posted his own message on Instagram, aiming a dig at Dyche after leaving Goodison Park.
Demarai Gray has left Everton after completing his £8m move to Saudi side Al-Ettifaq
Gray’s exit follows a public falling out with Everton manager Sean Dyche in recent days
Gray aimed a parting shot at Dyche as he confirmed his Everton departure on Instagram
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‘After two years with Everton, it’s time to say goodbye,’ he wrote.
‘I wish everyone at the club the very best and will be forever proud to have played for this great team.
‘To the fans, you were always incredible – thank you for your support. You made it a privilege to wear the shirt.
‘There has been a lot of speculation about my situation all summer. The truth is, I gave my all to this club on and off the pitch through good and bad. I was ready to play as much football as possible this season but it felt like this was not going to happen.
‘It’s time for my next chapter. I am match fit and excited to get playing.’
Gray’s exit leaves Everton light in attacking areas due to a lack of numbers and a string of injuries. The Toffees named just seven of a possible nine substitutes against Sheffield United on Saturday, with two of those goalkeepers.
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