Birmingham City target Demarai Gray is set to undergo a medical with the Championship side, ahead of a dream return to his boyhood club after a deal was agreed for his permanent switch.
The Jamaican international has been applying his trade for Saudi Arabian side Al-Ettifaq for the last two seasons, but is now set to complete a dream return to the League One champions ahead of their return to pre-season.
He is set to become the club’s first official signing since becoming a Championship side again, but is the second ‘new’ arrival after Phil Neumann joined on a pre-contract agreement during the January transfer window.
Gray set for Birmingham reunion
As reported by journalist Ben Jacobs, Birmingham City have agreed a deal with the Saudi Arabian side over the transfer of winger Demarai Gray on a permanent contract.
The 29-year-old is set to join the Championship new-boys on a free transfer, with Al-Ettifaq securing a 20% sell-on clause and the deal is due to be completed on Monday evening.
Gray will undergo the first part of his medical with Birmingham City on Sunday evening, with the final part and paperwork set to be completed on Monday ahead of his unveiling.
How did he fare last season?
Across all competitions last season, the 29-year-old contributed to two goals in 29 appearances for Al-Ettifaq.
He made 24 of those appearances in the Saudi Pro League, but failed to register a single goal or assist, with his only contributions coming in separate cup competitions.
During his first season in Saudi Arabia, Gray registered seven goal contributions in 25 outings, which was one of his best individual performances across his career to-date.
Is this a good decision by Birmingham?
Ultimately, the question won’t be answered anytime soon, but there are both positives and negatives in regards to this decision.
Birmingham will be bringing in a footballer who knows the club very well, knows the fan expectation and has Premier League experience in his locker as well as featuring regularly on the international stage with Jamaica.
However, we won’t currently know his wage demands which implies that this deal (especially with it being on a free) could mean he isn’t a cheap signing. Similarly, his attacking numbers in a league of less quality certainly raises eyebrows.
His position will also be an intriguing watch, given Jay Stansfield has often played on the left-hand side and arguably plays his best football from there. Gray is also a left-sided midfielder which could mean a tactical tweak from Chris Davies‘ side.
