Everton: Alan Myers drops claim on potential Demarai Gray replacement
Considering that Demarai Gray’s transfer to Al-Ettifaq was officially announced on Thursday, September 7, Alan Myers has expressed his reservations about whether Everton will sign a replacement for him.
On September 6, the Sky Sports reporter responded to a question from an Everton supporter about if the team would look for a replacement for the Jamaican international.
The former Leicester City player’s transfer was revealed by Steven Gerrard’s Al-Ettifaq on their Twitter account on Thursday morning, September 7, bringing an end to a protracted departure story at Goodison Park.
The 27-year-old forward is believed to have signed a four-year contract in the Middle East in a deal worth around £10million, with the Toffees confirming his exit simultaneously.
And Myers tweeted in response to whether Everton will sign a replacement: “I doubt it.”
Options limited
This has been a transfer saga that has rumbled on for weeks after Sean Dyche made it clear the forward wasn’t in his plans for this season, even despite blocking his exit during the transfer window.
It is the best move for all parties involved as Everton gets rid of a player who no longer wants to be a part of the club and Gray fulfils his ambitions to seek pastures new elsewhere.
However, with the Toffees also losing Alex Iwobi to Fulham on transfer deadline day, Dyche is left with a depleted attacking weaponry at his disposal with new signing Jack Harrison still weeks away from a potential return from injury.
It would certainly be smart and sensible for the club to seek out free transfer opportunities right now but the options out there are very limited.
Dyche will need a player ready-made for Premier League level and one which will make an instant impact but that is hard to find even if the transfer window was open.
For now, the former Burnley boss will have to make do with what he’s got but given the results in recent weeks, it’s become a real struggle.