Al-Ettifaq winger Demerai Gray is keen on a return to English football, with his preference being to join a Premier League club amidst interest from his former club Birmingham City.
The Jamaica international joined the Saudi Pro League back in 2023, after two seasons with Everton. But now Gray sees his immediate future back in England, with boyhood club Birmingham City hoping to see off any Premier League interest.
Gray Ready to Stage his Premier League Comeback
Having played a significant role in the Leicester City Premier League title-winning squad in 2015/16, it’s little wonder the 28-year-old is angling for a return to England’s top flight. He joined the Foxes in the January transfer window that season, helping them complete their historic chapter.
As reported by Ben Jacobs in a GiveMeSport exclusive, Al-Ettifaq is willing to part with Gray for a fee in the region of £8million. The left-midfielder favours a Premier League move and therefore may be encouraged by Sunderland’s recent promotion.
The Black Cats have previously been credited with interest in Gray, even as recently as January. While the Wearsiders haven’t yet approached Al-Ettifaq this summer, they are on the lookout for reinforcements with proven Premier League experience.
Regis Le Bris’s young squad proved a thorn in the side for many Championship sides this season, and with the right additions could be a threat to many in the top-flight.
With 200 Premier League appearances under his belt, Gray could be a player that Sunderland revisit in their bid to strengthen ready for their eagerly awaited top-flight return.
Birmingham City Keen on Bringing Gray Home
Gray was a product of the Birmingham City Academy, spending over a decade with the Blues, including 72 senior appearances. Now, after more than nine years away, Gray’s hometown club is exploring the possibility of bringing him back to St Andrew’s.
While reports suggest that Gray wants to join a Premier League club, the current fanfare around Birmingham City could prove as tempting a proposition. Fresh from winning League One, shattering the division’s points total in the process, times could barely be more exciting in the second city.
Gray was a regular England representative at age-group level, before switching his allegiance to Jamaica. The current project at St Andrew’s would pique the interest of many a player, with the club receiving major worldwide attention. The current crop of players at Birmingham will go down in the club’s history, and any player to don the blue jersey can expect to be serenaded week after week.
The ambitious board at Birmingham is likely to back Chris Davies heavily this summer, with the quoted price tag for Gray more than manageable. Having established a winning mentality during their dominant League One season, hopes are high for the Blues on their Championship return.
Loan Offer on the Table from Serie A
While England appears to be most likely destination for Gray, he also has an approach from Italian club Fiorentina to consider. The Serie A side has enquired about the possibility of taking the Jamaica international on loan from Al-Ettifaq.
Ben Jacobs reported that Gray has impressed his current employers recently with his form, suggesting that they would like him to stay. However, Ettifaq respects his wishes to return to his homeland.
Should the 28-year-old be open to the Fiorentina loan move, it may be the ideal option for Ettifaq in their bid to retain his future services. However, having already endured an unsuccessful spell in Germany with Bayer Leverkusen, Gray may be reluctant to leave for anywhere other than England.
The future of Demarai Gray is likely to be a point of major interest throughout the summer, with many clubs likely to admire his extensive experience.