Demarai Gray is very close to joining Al-Ettifaq.
That’s according to journalist Ben Jacobs, who has reported that only paperwork remains before the Everton winger can complete his move today.
Gray has been heavily linked with a move to Saudi Arabia all summer, with Crystal Palace and Fulham also showing some interest.
However, Everton’s £10 million plus valuation put off their Premier League rivals and he looked set to secure a switch to the Middle East.
Gray hasn’t featured for the Toffees this season as he looked to push through his exit, though his plans were left in tatters when Alex Iwobi was sold on transfer deadline day.
The Nigerian’s departure led Everton to blocking Gray’s move to Al-Ettifaq and he remained at Goodison Park beyond Friday’s 11pm deadline.
While it was reported that Sean Dyche’s side were eager to keep hold of Gray, the Jamaica international took to Instagram to address the situation and claimed he hadn’t been shown respect by the club.
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With Gray’s relationship with Everton crumbling, it now appears that he has got his own way and is rapidly closing in on a move to Al-Ettifaq.
Jacobs wrote on Twitter yesterday, saying: “Exclusive: Agreement now in place between Al-Ettifaq and Everton for Demarai Gray. Only paperwork remains. Final fee is almost £8m ($10m). Gray will sign a four-year deal. If all goes to plan Al-Ettifaq will announce Gray tomorrow.”
While Gray will leave the club for less than Everton’s valuation, it is still a significant profit on the minimal £1.7m they paid only two years ago.
Gray will link up with some familiar faces when he arrives in Dammam, with Steven Gerrard, Jordan Henderson and Georginio Wijnaldum all joining Al-Ettifaq this summer.
Everton’s handling of Demarai Gray to Al-Ettifaq has been disastrous
Everton clearly haven’t handled Gray‘s situation very well, given that they looked to be eager to offload him throughout the summer transfer window.
Blocking his move in the final hours was never going to go down well and Gray could have instead refused to play if he hadn’t landed his departure to Al-Ettifaq before the Saudi Pro League deadline.
The Toffees have now been forced to part ways with the 27-year-old and have yet again been left light as they are unable to replace him.