Demarai Gray has reportedly informed Saudi Pro League club Al-Ettifaq of his desire to return to England after spending two years in the Middle East. The 28-year-old winger, who began his career with "Birmingham City", could be set for a sensational homecoming to his boyhood club.
Gray's professional journey has taken him across multiple countries since leaving Birmingham more than nine years ago. After winning a Premier League title with "Leicester City" in the same season he departed the Blues, the Jamaica international had a brief spell in Germany with "Bayer Leverkusen" before returning to England with "Everton" in 2021.
Two years at Goodison Park preceded his move to Saudi Arabia, where he joined Steven Gerrard's Al-Ettifaq alongside notable players like Jordan Henderson and Georginio Wijnaldum. Now, it seems the Saudi adventure might be coming to an end.
Birmingham aren't alone in their interest, though. Newly promoted "Sunderland" reportedly have a longstanding interest in securing Gray's services, while Italian side "Fiorentina" are also monitoring the situation closely.
Interestingly, Gray scored eight goals in 78 appearances during his previous stint with the Blues, numbers he'll likely be hoping to improve if a return materializes.
The potential move isn't without complications. Al-Ettifaq are apparently seeking around £8 million to part with the player, who still has two years remaining on his four-year contract. Meanwhile, Gray himself must decide whether a return to English football is worth it if it means playing in the Championship rather than the Premier League.
Could this homecoming be the perfect next chapter in Gray's career? Or will financial demands scupper what would be a romantic reunion with his first professional club?
