BirminghamLive brings you the latest Birmingham City news as this former Blues winger leaves Everton.
Demarai Gray’s increasingly strained relationship with Everton has ended, with the winger joining Saudi Pro League side Al-Ettifaq.
The former Birmingham City player has signed a four-year contract worth an estimated £8 million, bringing an end to his unhappy stint at Goodison Park.
The 27-year-old has not featured this season and resorted to social media on Thursday to take aim at Dyche, writing: “The truth is I gave my all to this club on and off the pitch.” Throughout the summer, there has been a lot of curiosity regarding my condition. I was prepared to play as much football as possible this season, but it seemed unlikely.”
In an unusual response, Dyche told club media: “It’s an unfortunate one because I try to keep our business in-house.” I believe it is appropriate to respond on this occasion.
“Demarai made it clear that he felt he was getting a move (away from Everton) and that a move had been completed, which was interesting to hear from a player.” We reminded him that no moves are made without the approval of this club.
“We look after these players; we look at all of the different ways to look after them: mental and physical well-being, tactics and technical, and physical.” When it gets to a time like that, you think, ‘Wait a minute. You stated unequivocally that you did not want to train, that you did not want to be here, and that you had a pre-arranged move’.
“We said it wasn’t a done deal because this is the most important club.” This club will make decisions about your future as players, not the other way around. I believe it is appropriate to inform our fans of the truth.”
That choice, which clearly benefits both parties, has now been made, and Gray, who came through the ranks at Blues and played 78 games before joining Leicester City, is now at his fourth club in four seasons after a brief stint with Bayer Leverkusen.
He only played against Blues once, for the Foxes in an FA Cup fixture in 2020, where he was greeted enthusiastically by Blues fans.
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