An announcement is expected imminently as Birmingham City complete one of the transfers of the summer.
Birmingham City are likely to announce the signing of Demarai Gray this week after the winger passed a medical ahead of a romantic reunion with his previous club. Blues have now completed all of the essential steps to finalize the transaction, and all that remains is for Gray’s current side, Al-Ettifaq, to receive formal consent from the Saudi Pro League. According to Give Me Sport’s Ben Jacobs, once it is resolved, both teams will be able to announce the trade as completed.
It was previously claimed that Al-Ettifaq sought to recuperate the £8 million they paid to recruit Gray from Everton two years ago, but the Blues negotiated well, acquiring the winger for free with a 20% sell-on provision attached to sweeten the deal. An statement from Birmingham could come as early as today. Sunderland, who were recently credited with a revived interest in Gray by Give Me Sport, did not restart their pursuit of Ettifaq following a failed effort to recruit him in the winter. The Black Cats may move on to greater and better things in the Premier League, but one eye may be on how he performs at the Blues.
If and when Gray is confirmed, he will become the Blues’ third official signing of the summer, following Phil Neumann from Hannover 96 and James Beadle on loan from Brighton and Hove Albion. Bright Osayi-Samuel of Fenerbahce could be the next signing, while Tommy Doyle of Wolverhampton Wanderers is said to be in the running.
What form has Demarai Gray been in?
Gray has spent the last two seasons at Ettifaq but has failed to adjust to life in Saudi Arabia. The winger has only four goals and five assists in 50 matches for Ettifaq, and he’s becoming increasingly homesick, so returning to the Second City makes perfect sense.
Gray, who is mostly a left winger but can also play on the right, has top-flight experience and is still in his prime. The 22-time Jamaica international is a Premier League winner, having appeared 12 times for Leicester City during the historic 2015/16 season, and he has even moved to the Bundesliga to play for Bayer Leverkusen in the second half of the 2020/21 season. Gray has made 200 Premier League appearances in his career, including periods with Leicester and Everton, scoring 19 goals and giving 14 assists. The Blues academy product also appeared five times in the UEFA Champions League in 2016/17.
Although all of Gray’s biggest performances occurred some time ago, he still has terrific speed and flare. His goal-scoring performance has reduced in recent seasons, and he did not get off to a good start in Saudi Arabia, but a drop to the Championship could be ideal for him.
Will Demarai Gray fit in well at Birmingham City?
Birmingham needs a new left winger, and Gray would undoubtedly be a major upgrade over Emil Hansson. Gray’s ability to play on either side is also quite important, as Davies can alter things up from time to time to try to break down the low blocks that opponents frequently employ.
Despite Gray’s worrying form, fitness is not an issue, as he started 19 Saudi Pro League games in 2024/25. The Jamaican may take some time to adjust to the intensity Davies wants, but that is typical of most new arrivals. This could be an ideal move for all parties.
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