Sports Evolve
Demarai Gray, former Birmingham and Leicester winger, is set to return to the Premier League in a £1.6 million move from Bayer Leverkusen. Gray moved to Germany in January after failing to book a first-team spot in Brandon Rodger’s Leicester side.
Everton are currently in Orlando for the Florida Cup and will kick off their pre-season schedule on Sunday 24th July against Colombia’s Millonarios.
He is currently in Florida and is to undergo his medical there before joining the pre-season camp.
Gray is also likely to be part of the game against Millonarios as his transfer from Bayer Leverkusen to Everton is expected to be finalized on Thursday.
He is set to sign a two-year deal with Everton after a brief 18-month contract with the German side.
He joined Bayer Leverkusen in the January transfer window after falling out of favour with the Leicester boss.
His time at Leverkusen was not also impressive only recording one goal and two assists in the 12 matches he played.
This will be the third signing for Everton after signing Asmir Begovic from Bournemouth and Andros Townsend on a free transfer.
Rafa Benitez, who took over from Carlo Ancelotti, is strengthening his side as he looks to start on a high when the season begins in August. He is on a three-year deal at the club.
Benitez is an experienced manager having managed big sides like Inter Milan, Chelsea, Napoli, Real Madrid, Newcastle, and Chinese side Dalian Professional.
Benitez’s appointment received a mixed reaction from the fanbase.
Threats to him due to his appointment were seen. They include banners with “I know where you live” signs which are under investigation by the Merseyside Police.
His preseason schedule after the game with Colombian side Millonarios includes a fixture against either Inter Milan or Arsenal.
The games are set to be played at the Camping World Stadium in Orlando before a final game on the 7th of August against Manchester United at Old Trafford.
The premier league begins on 14th August 2021.
