Al-Ettifaq have confirmed the signing of Everton forward Demarai Gray after a drawn-out transfer saga to sign the Jamaican forward.
The former Bayer Leverkusen winger has spent the last couple of seasons at Goodison Park but the lure of the Saudi Pro League has meant that Gray has completed a move to the Middle East.
Gray’s departure from Goodison Park comes after his relationship with manager Sean Dyche broke down.
The winger aired his grievances on Instagram, saying it was “difficult to play for someone who doesn’t show you respect as a person”.
Dyche responded by claiming Gray had not wanted to train as he believed he had secured a move away.
The fee is reportedly in the region of £9 million and Everton have managed to clinch a sell-on clause in the deal which will be a big positive for the Merseyside club.
What has Gray said about the move to Al-Ettifaq
The move to Al-Ettifaq will see Gray link up with a couple of former Premier League greats Jordan Henderson and Georginio Wijnaldum.
As well as this, the former Leicester City winger will be linking up with former Liverpool icon Steven Gerrard and the 27-year-old is seemingly excited to play for the former Aston Villa manager.
“There has been a lot of speculation about my situation all summer,” Gray said. “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.”
Gray will line up in an exciting team that features these exciting Premier League players as well as Moussa Dembele, formerly of Celtic and French side Olympique Lyonnais.