Demarai Gray has announced the completion of his £8m move from Everton to Saudi Arabian club, Al-Ettifaq, which is managed by Liverpool’s legend, Steven Gerrard.
Demarai Gray made the announcement days after he took a dig at Everton’s coach, Sean Dyche. He wrote on his Instastory on Sunday, September 3, it is ‘‘difficult to play for someone who doesn’t show you respect as a person”.
Announcing his departure from Everton, two years after joining the English club Bayer Leverkusen, the 27-year-old footballer wrote;
“After two years with Everton, it’s time to say goodbye. 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. Thank you, Demarai.”
Demarai Gray decided to join Al-Ettifaq after Everton denied his request to depart ahead of the English transfer deadline.
The Premier League club, working under stringent financial restrictions in the transfer market, will make a profit on the deal having signed Gray from Bayer Leverkusen for just £1.7m in July 2021.
He will be eligible to play for Al-Ettifaq after the international break ends. At the moment he is with the Jamaican national team as they play the group stages of the CONCACAF Nations League.
Gray took 75 appearances for Everton, helping them to avoid relegation out of the Premier League last season.