Sunderland approach update shared as Demarai Gray ready for Premier League return
Sunderland are looking to be one of the busiest teams in the transfer window ahead of their Premier League return.
The Black Cats have already confirmed that Enzo Le Fee will return to the North East after his loan deal was made permanent for £20million.
One name that Sunderland were linked with back in January was Demarai Gray, who last played in the Premier League with Everton back in 2023.
Gray, 28, joined Saudi Pro League side Al-Ettifaq in September 2023 under then-manager Steven Gerrard, scoring four times in 54 appearances, but is reportedly ready to return to England this summer.
Al-Ettifaq want £8m for Gray to leave Saudi Arabia
The Jamaican could be returning to the Premier League following the latest update from Saudi Arabia.
GMS reports that Al-Ettifaq respect Gray’s wishes to return to England this summer, and are willing to part ways with the winger for a fee in the region of £8m.
It remains to be seen whether Sunderland will revisit their earlier interest in bringing Gray to the Stadium of Light.
Birmingham City are also interested in bringing the Jamaican back to St. Andrew’s this summer, but it is unclear whether he would give up his wish for Premier League football to return to the Midlands.
Gray would add much-needed experience to Sunderland’s young side
The Black Cats desperately need some top-flight experience before they take their place back in the Premier League for the first time in eight years.
In the play-off final against Sheffield United, nobody in Sunderland’s starting 11 had made a single Premier League appearance.
Gray hasn’t only played in the league before for multiple seasons, but he was also a part of Leicester City’s title-winning side in 2016.
The winger isn’t the only Premier League winner linked with a move to the Stadium of Light, with Jordan Henderson also linked with a return to Wearside.
With Jobe Bellingham and captain Dan Neil linked with moves abroad, Sunderland could lose some of their key young players during this window.
Should these departures occur, the Black Cats should look to bring in some experienced heads like Gray and Henderson to help their survival hopes next season.