Everton: Don’t expect Demarai Gray to move to Goodison Park
By Paul Taylor
Despite speculation linking Everton with interest in Demarai Gray, the pacy winger is unlikely to leave Leicester City.
In the summer of Everton being linked to nearly every player expect Lionel Messi and Ronaldo, we can now add another name to the list. As per a report from Sky Sports, the Blues are apparently interested in Demarai Gray.
Certainly, Gray would be an intriguing addition at Goodison Park. The pacy winger is one of the Premier League’s highly rated talents, who is expected to have a long and prosperous career in professional football.
As such, it is understandable why Everton have joined the likes of Liverpool and Tottenham, in wanting to sign the 21-year old. For what it’s worth, the youngster is also well known by the Blues’ director of football Steve Walsh, from their time together at Leicester City.
With all this in mind, how likely is Gray to actually leave Leicester and, more to the point, join Everton? In our opinion, not very.
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Part of the reason the England Under-21 international is even a subject of speculation, comes down to comments he made recently, after a win over Poland. In particular, regarding his lack of playing time at Leicester City.
While Gray made 30 league appearances during the 2016/17 season, only nine of those were starts. Further, as noted by the Leicester Mercury, he was substituted in seven of those starts, meaning he only twice played all 90 minutes.
In that respect, it is entirely understandable why the Birmingham-born player would be frustrated. However, consider that the only reason he even brought the matter up, was because he was asked a direct question by the media, which he answered honestly. (Who doesn’t want to play more?)
Further, as reported by the Leicester Mercury, consider this part of Gray’s response to the Associated Press in Poland:
"“Shakey has always been there for me at Leicester,” said Gray. “He always spoke to me one on one. With him getting the job now, I am happy with that and hopefully I will get more of an opportunity.”"
“Shakey” refers to Leicester City’s manager, Craig Shakespeare. In that respect, Shakespeare had his own thoughts on the situation, when speaking to Sky Sports:
"“He’s definitely still wanted,” said Shakespeare. “He’s a player with great potential. I’ve had numerous conversations over the last four months with Demarai about being patient. I understand that sometimes that can just be words and they need to playing but he has a big future to be played here.”"
Certainly, these don’t sound like the words of someone preparing to sell Gray. Further, even in this day of player power, the young winger still has three years remaining on his current contract.
Overall, the point is, if Gray is frustrated by a lack of playing time at Leicester, what chance is there of this improving if he moves to Everton? The Blues are right to be interested in him, but he’s unlikely to join Ronald Koeman’s revolution on Merseyside.
Next: It doesn't matter what Wayne Rooney says
What’s your opinion on Gray? Do you rate him, or do you need to see more? Further, would you even want to see the winger at Goodison Park? Share your thoughts in the comments section.