Birmingham City are on the verge of completing what could be one of the most eye-catching transfers of the summer, with an official announcement expected at any moment. The club is set to welcome back Demarai Gray, who has passed a medical ahead of a return to his boyhood team. All formalities on Birmingham’s end have been finalised, and the final piece of the puzzle lies with Al-Ettifaq, Gray’s current club, who must secure the green light from the Saudi Pro League before the transfer can be officially announced. According to Give Me Sport’s Ben Jacobs, once approval is granted, both clubs are ready to confirm the deal.
Initially, Al-Ettifaq were hoping to recoup the £8 million they spent to sign Gray from Everton two years ago. However, Birmingham managed to negotiate a favourable agreement, landing the Jamaican international on a free transfer with a 20% sell-on clause attached. The Blues could make the signing official as early as today.
Sunderland, who had previously shown interest in Gray, were once again linked with him recently but did not follow up with a fresh bid following their unsuccessful attempt in January. Although the Black Cats now have Premier League ambitions, they may still keep a close eye on how Gray performs back in the Championship.
Once confirmed, Gray will become Birmingham’s third signing of the summer, joining Phil Neumann from Hannover 96 and James Beadle on loan from Brighton. The club isn’t done yet either, with talks reportedly underway to sign Bright Osayi-Samuel from Fenerbahce and Tommy Doyle from Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Gray has spent the last two seasons with Al-Ettifaq, where he found life difficult both on and off the pitch. Struggling to adjust to his new environment, he registered just four goals and five assists in 50 appearances. Increasingly homesick, a move back to the West Midlands seems like the right decision. Still only 28 and with Premier League experience under his belt, Gray brings plenty of pedigree. A former title winner with Leicester City in the 2015/16 season, he has also played in the Bundesliga with Bayer Leverkusen and has 200 Premier League appearances to his name, scoring 19 goals and assisting 14.
Though his recent form has dipped, Gray remains a dynamic and pacey winger with the versatility to operate on either flank. While he hasn’t lit up the Saudi Pro League, a return to the Championship could prove to be a better fit. He featured in 19 league matches last season, so fitness shouldn’t be a concern. Given Birmingham’s need for a new left winger—particularly one more effective than Emil Hansson—Gray could provide a real boost to the squad. Manager Chris Davies will hope Gray can quickly adapt to his demands, but all signs suggest this could be a beneficial reunion for both player and club.
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