Amina UmarDemarai Gray’s time at Everton was marked by flashes of brilliance, but ultimately ended in controversy. The winger joined the Blues in 2021 for a bargain price of £1.7 million, and initially impressed with his pace and skill on the pitch. He scored crucial goals against Leeds United, Brighton & Hove Albion, and Burnley, helping Everton get off to a strong start under manager Rafael Benitez.
However, Gray’s form dipped as the season progressed, and he struggled to replicate his early success under subsequent managers Frank Lampard and Sean Dyche. Despite his occasional flashes of brilliance, Gray was ultimately deemed surplus to requirements at Goodison Park.In the summer of 2023, Saudi club Al-Ettifaq made a move for Gray, and the transfer was eventually completed for a reported fee of around £8 million.
However, the move was not without controversy, as Gray took to social media to criticize Everton manager Sean Dyche, claiming that he had not been shown respect as a person.Dyche responded to Gray’s comments in an interview with the club’s official channels, expressing his disappointment at the player’s decision to air his grievances publicly. Despite the acrimonious departure, Gray’s sale was seen as a smart piece of business by Everton, who were able to recoup a significant portion of their initial outlay.
Gray has since scored four goals in 23 appearances for Al-Ettifaq in the Saudi Pro League, and his departure has not been lamented by Everton fans. While his time at Goodison Park was marked by flashes of brilliance, his controversial exit and lack of consistency on the pitch mean that his legacy at the club is a mixed one.In the end, Gray’s transfer was a reminder that even the most promising signings can fail to live up to expectations, and that the world of football is often unpredictable and unforgiving.
Despite this, Everton fans will always remember Gray’s early successes on the pitch, and the potential that he showed during his time at the club.
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