06 September 2023 , 08:25
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Everton boss Sean Dyche has hit back at Demarai Gray, claiming the winger has refused to train in a bid to force through a transfer.
Gray has been heavily linked with a move away from Goodison Park, with the likes of Fulham, Crystal Palace and Lille all said to have been interested in signing him. However, it now appears as though he is set to join Al-Ettifaq with the transfer window in Saudi Arabia still open until September 7.
The 27-year-old has not featured for Everton at all this season and hit out at Dyche on social media following the Toffees' 2-2 draw with Sheffield United. "Everton fans have always been great with me but it's so difficult to play for someone who don't show you respect as a person," Gray wrote on his Instagram story.
Dyche has now responded to Gray, telling club media : "Demarai made it clear that he felt he was getting a move [away from Everton] and he told us a move was done, which was interesting to hear from a player.
"We reminded him of the truth of the fact that no moves are done without this club's say so. That's the truth of it. We look after these players; we look at all the different ways of looking after them.
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"Mental and wellbeing is big, the tactics and technical, the physical. We look at all of that for all these players and we look after them. When it comes to a time like that then you go, 'Well, hang on a minute.
"'You made it clear you didn't want to train, you didn't want to be here, and you also said there was a move that was a done deal'. We said it's not a done deal because this club is the most important.
Gray looks set to complete a move to Saudi Arabian side Al-Ettifaq (Getty Images)"This club will make decisions on the future of you as players and not the other way around. I think it's right to let our fans know that's the truth." The Daily Mail are now reporting that Gray is closing in on an £8m move to Al-Ettifaq, who are managed by Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard.
He would also link up with the likes of Jordan Henderson, Georginio Wijnaldum and Moussa Dembele, who have all joined Al-Ettifaq this summer. Since signing for Everton from Bayer Leverkusen in 2021, Gray has scored 12 goals for Everton in 75 appearances across all competitions.
Dyche had previously stated he expected the winger to remain at Goodison Park and, although they will not be able to sign a replacement until January, Everton have strengthened out wide with the additions of Arnaut Danjuma and Jack Harrison who signed on loan from Villarreal and Leeds respectively.