LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 25: A general view of the corner flag at Goodison Park before the Premier League match between Everton and Norwich City at Goodison Park on September 25, 2021 in Liverpool, England.. (Photo by Tony McArdle/Everton FC via Getty Images)
PRESIDENT THINKS HIS CLUB ‘WILL SIGN’ EVERTON ACE AMID CRYSTAL PALACE INTEREST
Demarai Gray could soon be on his way out of Everton with Al Shabab confirming their intention to sign the Premier League winner ahead of Fulham and Crystal Palace.
One of the bright sparks in an otherwise dismal era under Rafa Benitez at Goodison Park – who could forget that stunning last-gasp winner against Arsenal or that long-range wonder-strike versus Manchester City? – Demarai Gray feels increasingly like a man out of time on Merseyside.
The appointment of Sean Dyche as Benitez’s replacement preceded the arrivals of Arnaut Danjuma and Jack Harrison. And with Wilfried Gnonto potentially on his way too – despite Leeds’ best efforts – no one at Everton appears willing to stand in Gray’s way.
There is, according to The Athletic, interest from Fulham and Crystal Palace. Gray has agreed personal terms with the former.
Everton winger Demarai Gray heading to Saudi Arabia
Saudi side Al Shabab appear to have moved to the front of the queue in recent days, however, presumably offering Gray – and potentially Everton too – a far greater financial package than the one on offer at Craven Cottage or Selhurst Park.
“God willing, we will soon sign Demarai Gray,” Al Shabab president Khaled Al-Thunayan tells In The Goal. “A player from Everton and from the Jamaican national team.”
Currently 13th in the Saudi Pro League table, Gray would find himself sharing a dressing room with former Argentina playmaker Ever Banega at the Prince Faisal bin Fahd Stadium. Ex-Strasbourg talisman Habib Diallo, too.
Dyche, however, has been reluctant to comment on Gray’s future of late. The former Leicester City and Birmingham forward, he said, missed Sunday’s 4-0 thrashing at Aston Villa not due to discussions over his future but because of a recent injury issue.
“He is just coming back,” Dyche told the Liverpool Echo. “He needs to be fully fit.”
Everton, meanwhile, remain hopeful of landing Gnonto even after failing with a new and improved offer of £25 million. The Italian’s agent explains that Leeds are continuing to ‘block’ his departure despite Gnonto handing in a written transfer request.
