English winger Demarai Gray is reportedly eager to return to the Premier League in the January transfer window after just one season in Saudi Arabia with Al-Ettifaq.
Gray, who joined the Saudi Pro League side last summer, has informed manager Steven Gerrard of his desire to move back to England, with Fulham emerging as a potential destination.
According to reports, the Cottagers are willing to meet Al-Ettifaq’s £5 million (€6m/$6m) asking price, and the Liverpool legend is prepared to sanction the move.
Gray’s departure from English football last year raised eyebrows, but his time in Saudi Arabia has not been without success. However, the winger is said to be keen on a return to the Premier League, where he had previously spent time with Leicester City and Everton.
His move to Al-Ettifaq came as part of the high-profile influx of players to the Saudi Pro League, but the allure of playing back in one of Europe’s top leagues seems to have drawn him back.
Fulham, under manager Marco Silva, have made significant strides in the 2024-25 Premier League season. Currently positioned in the top half of the table, the club is in a strong position to challenge for European competition next season.
With that ambition in mind, Silva is reportedly set to be given funds to strengthen his squad in the upcoming window. The addition of Gray would provide the manager with another attacking option, complementing the team’s already dynamic offensive play.
Gray’s potential move to Fulham comes as the club also plans to offload midfielder Andreas Pereira. Pereira, who has attracted interest from Brazilian club Palmeiras, is expected to be sold in order to fund the signing of the 27-year-old winger.
The departure of Pereira would free up space both in terms of finances and squad depth, paving the way for Gray’s arrival.
While Fulham seems to be the front-runner for Gray’s signature, they face competition from Crystal Palace and Turkish giants Besiktas.
Palace, also looking to strengthen their squad, are reportedly keeping tabs on the winger as they seek to improve their attacking options for the second half of the season.
Besiktas, known for their aggressive transfer market moves, are also believed to be interested in bringing Gray to the Turkish Super Lig, though it remains unclear whether the winger would be willing to make such a move.
For Gray, the prospect of returning to the Premier League offers both the challenge of competing at a higher level and the opportunity to play a more central role in a team’s attack.
His pace and creativity could be key assets for Fulham, who have impressed under Silva’s management and are looking to continue their rise up the table.
As the January transfer window approaches, Gray’s future looks set to be a major talking point.
With Fulham leading the race for his signature, only time will tell if the winger will make his long-awaited return to English football or if one of his other suitors will make a late push for his services.