Demarai Gray: Everton sign winger from Bayer Leverkusen for £1.7m
- Published
Demarai Gray started his career with Birmingham City
Everton have signed Bayer Leverkusen winger Demarai Gray on a three-year deal for fee understood to be £1.7m.
The 25-year-old's contract includes the option for a fourth year.
Gray is the third signing of new boss Rafael Benitez's reign after winger Andros Townsend and keeper Asmir Begovic joined the club.
Gray, who won the Premier League with Leicester in 2016, has joined up with the Everton squad in Orlando for the Florida Cup.
"I'm delighted to be back in the Premier League at such a big club and I'm excited to play with the team and get to work," Gray told Everton TV.
"Speaking to the manager and [director of football] Marcel Brands, I had a really good feel for the club and I feel this is a place where I can continue to develop.
"The manager, with his ambition and what he has won in the past, is important and we'll look to push forward and compete with the top clubs. I think a club of this magnitude has all the potential to be right up there."
Birmingham-born Gray left Leicester in January 2021 and signed an 18-month deal with Bayer Leverkusen but he only made 12 appearances for the German side last season, scoring one goal.
Meanwhile, Everton's Brazilian winger Bernard could be set to leave, amid interest from United Arab Emirates side Sharjah FC. There has been interest from clubs in Russia and Greece too.
Everton have flown to the United States to take part in the Florida Cup without Fabian Delph because he is self-isolating.
The club took the precautionary measure after the 31-year-old midfielder came into contact with someone who has since tested positive for coronavirus.
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