€20m Everton ace linked with Crystal Palace hints at his future decision

With rumors swirling regarding the future of Everton and Jamaican winger Demarai Gray, the 27-year-old gave strong words of focus and commitment to helping the club in its upcoming Premier League season in an interview with the Football Daily.

Gray has been linked to Premier League opponent Crystal Palace and to the breakout Saudi Professional League, who has signed numerous European players young and old. He made most of his appearances under Sean Dyche out of necessity, as first-choice striker Dominic Calvert Lewin missed so many games due to injury. This lack of playing time could lead to dreams of playing elsewhere.

"I am just focused on having a good season next year and I still believe in my career I can reach big heights. Obviously, it is a dream for me and any player to play Champions League football and play at the top levels. Having committed to Jamaica as well, long term, I look forward to reaching a World Cup and they are my long-term goals. – Gray said (via Liverpool ECHO)."

Everton winger Demarai Gray focused on contributing to the team

Gray recently committed to the Jamaican national team and played in the CONCACAF Gold Cup. He finished the competition with two goals and assists in five games, all in the starting XI. He was named to the all-tournament team as a result.

After two struggling relegation battles with the fanbase in dire straights, the stress on the players was immense due to a lack of quality from the board. A carousel of managers adds more stress to the players to perform on the pitch.

"“I have got a little more time off now but I look forward to getting back and as a club we are trying to make sure we are not back in the situations we have been in for the last two years and my head is fully focused on doing that and contributing to the team as well as I can,” Gray said."

He is spot on. Everton needs to put themselves in a position to not have to fight for survival from relegation. The urgency from top to bottom has to be front of mind and the top, top priority. Some progress had been made in terms of player personnel, with long-time Manchester United Fullback Ashley Young and Dutch forward Arnaut Danjuma joining the club as a free agent and on loan, respectively.

Demarai Gray has one year left on his contract, with a club option to extend it by one year. With Danjuma now in the mix and the rest of the window still to come, Gray may face more competition for playing time under skipper Sean Dyche.

Will Demarai Gray feature regularly for EFC in the 2023-24 season?