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, who left Birmingham for Leicester City over nine years ago, is reportedly looking for a path back to English football after spending less than two years in Saudi Arabia under manager Steven Gerrard.
"I've had my time in Saudi, but England has always felt like home," a source close to Gray might suggest about the player's current mindset.
Gray's career has seen him lift the Premier League trophy with Leicester in the same season he departed "Birmingham City". After a brief spell at Bayer Leverkusen in Germany, he returned to England with "Everton" in 2021 before making the switch to the Saudi Pro League in 2023.
Interestingly, the Jamaica international now faces a career crossroads. "Birmingham City" have reportedly made an inquiry about their former academy product, who scored eight goals in 78 appearances during his first stint at the club. However, newly promoted "Sunderland" also hold a longstanding interest, while Italian side "Fiorentina" are monitoring the situation too.
The Saudi club isn't ready to let Gray leave cheaply, though. Despite his wishes, "Al-Ettifaq" are seeking around £8 million to part with the winger this summer, even though he still has two years remaining on his four-year contract.
For Gray, the decision isn't straightforward. Would he be willing to step down to the Championship if it meant returning to his boyhood club? Or will he hold out for Premier League opportunities?
With three clubs now circling, Gray's summer looks set to be filled with tough decisions about where the next chapter of his career will unfold.
