Everton attacker will leave ‘today’ after Sean Dyche responds to player’s social media rant
Demarai Gray of Everton is scheduled to join Saudi club Al Ettifaq ‘today,’ according to reports, after lashing out at his boss Sean Dyche on social media.
The Jamaica international has slipped down the pecking order at Goodison Park and will be permitted to go in the near future.
Gray had been expected to leave Everton for some time, but after the English transfer window closed last Friday, there were reports that he could stay until at least January.
The winger reacted angrily, writing on Instagram, “It’s so difficult to play or someone who doesn’t show you respect as a person.”
Dyche answered in a recent interview, claiming that it is up to Everton to decide when Gray will depart the club.
“Demarai Gray made it clear that he felt he was getting a move and that a move was done, which was interesting to hear from a player…”
“We reminded him of the truth that no move is done without this club’s say-so” .
Gray will complete the Saudi swap ‘today.’
According to renowned transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano, Gray appears to have gotten his desire and is on the verge of signing a four-year contract with El Ettifaq.
“Understand Demarai Gray deal with Al Ettifaq is now advancing to final stages,” Romano tweeted.
“All done on the player side, and we’re also getting closer between clubs with Everton.” Gray is set to sign a four-year contract with Al Ettifaq. He already gave the go-ahead last week.”
In a second report, Romano stated that the transfer should be completed ‘today.’
“Al Ettifaq expect Demarai Gray deal to be completed today on permanent transfer, fee already discussed; it’s about final details now,” Romano stated.
“Everton and Al Ettifaq will be in touch to get deal signed and sealed.”
Gray was frequently used by Frank Lampard, but his minutes have decreased since Dyche took over at Everton in January.
The 27-year-old earned 13 Premier League appearances under the former Burnley manager last season but has yet to appear in a competitive fixture for the Toffees this season.
With the additions of Jack Harrison and Arnaut Danjuma, he has fallen further down the pecking order, although Dwight McNeil has become a regular in Dyche’s starting XI when healthy.
With that in mind, it’s difficult to blame Gray for wanting to join Al Ettifaq. Romano does not specify how much the Saudi club will pay for the attacker, although other rumors imply a sum of around £10 million.
