Demarai Gray will play alongside Jordan Henderson, Georginio Wijnaldum and Moussa Dembele at Al Ettifaq; winger leaves just days after taking a swipe at Sean Dyche on social media; Everton boss responded by saying Gray "didn't want to train" ahead of move to Saudi Pro League side
Thursday 7 September 2023 10:54, UK
Demarai Gray has left Everton to sign for Al Ettifaq, the Saudi Pro League side managed by Steven Gerrard, for a fee of around £10m.
The move for Gray - who had not played for Everton this season - also includes a sell-on clause.
As well as being coached by Gerrard, Gray will also play alongside former Premier League players Jordan Henderson, Georginio Wijnaldum and Moussa Dembele at Al Ettifaq.
The 27-year-old's exit comes just days after he took aim at Everton boss Sean Dyche on Instagram, writing: "Everton fans have always been great with me but it's so difficult to play for someone who don't show you respect as a person."
Dyche responded in an interview with Everton's website, saying Gray "didn't want to train" and "didn't want to be here".
The Jamaica international spent just over two years with the Toffees after signing from Bayer Leverkusen, going on to score 12 goals in 75 games in all competitions.
In a short statement - which did not include any thanks to their former forward - Everton wrote: "Everton have sold Demarai Gray to Al-Ettifaq on a permanent transfer for an undisclosed fee.
"Gray moves on after the Blues opted to sell the 27-year-old forward to the Saudi Arabian club. It brings an end to his two-year spell on Merseyside, having signed from Bayer Leverkusen in 2021.
"Gray made 75 appearances and scored 12 goals for Everton. The Jamaica international started his career with hometown club Birmingham City before joining Leicester City in 2016."
