Demarai Gray has informed Saudi Pro League club "Al-Ettifaq" of his desire to return to England this summer, with his boyhood club "Birmingham City" emerging as a potential destination. The 28-year-old winger has spent less than two years in Saudi Arabia but appears ready to cut his Middle Eastern adventure short.
"I've had time to reflect on my career path, and returning to England feels right at this stage," Gray reportedly told club officials at "Al-Ettifaq".
The Jamaica international joined "Al-Ettifaq" in 2023 after two seasons with "Everton", linking up with manager Steven Gerrard and teammates including Jordan Henderson and Georginio Wijnaldum. But now, the Premier League winner seems keen on a homecoming.
"Birmingham City" - where Gray began his professional journey over nine years ago - have already made an enquiry about their former academy product. During his previous stint with the club, he netted eight goals in 78 appearances before Leicester City came calling in 2016.
Interestingly, "Birmingham" aren't alone in their pursuit. Newly promoted "Sunderland" have maintained a longstanding interest in the winger, while Italian side "Fiorentina" are also monitoring the situation.
The main stumbling block? "Al-Ettifaq" are reportedly demanding around £8 million to part with Gray, who still has two years remaining on his four-year contract. For Gray, a return to England might mean stepping down to the Championship - something he'll need to consider carefully.
After winning the Premier League with "Leicester", a brief spell in Germany with "Bayer Leverkusen", and time at "Everton", could Gray's career come full circle with a return to St Andrew's? The next few weeks should reveal whether this potential reunion becomes reality.
