Everton did a spectacular late U-turn on Demarai Gray, preventing a loan transfer to Lille on deadline day after an agreement had been reached.
According to Romain Lafont of L’Equipe, the Toffees performed a ‘about face’ and decided the winger would not be leaving after all.
Gray had been linked with a transfer away from Everton all summer, even acknowledging publicly in an interview that he was considering his options.
That followed a disastrous season under Sean Dyche, who arrived in January, with the Jamaican international falling out of favor and being replaced by Dwight McNeill.
He was later connected with moves to Saudi Arabia and then France, with Lille reportedly submitting a loan offer for him on deadline day.
According to Le Petit Lillois, the French club had recognized Gray as a perfect acquisition and were considering signing him late in the window.
That never happened, though, and they cite L’Equipe as reporting that Gray had in fact agreed to the move and completed a medical before the Toffees ‘abruptly withdrew’ and put an end to the negotiations.
This is backed up by their journalist Romain Lafont, who says those in charge at Goodison Park ‘made an about-face’ at the start of the evening and decided Gray would not be departing.
The reason for this abrupt change of heart is unknown, although it is likely related to Everton’s failed attempts to sign Wilfried Gnonto, or any other winger, before the transfer market closed.
Gray’s fate remains unknown, with the Saudi Arabian door still open and a possibility if he is resolved to leave Goodison Park.
About The Author
Leave a Reply