Our writers assess the sale of Gray and whether Everton will be able to replace him
Just how do Everton fill the void left in the squad by Demarai Gray's depature until the January transfer window? Members of the ECHO sportsdesk have their say.Demarai Gray could produce moments of magic on his day but unfortunately the gaps between such spectacular strikes were often many months apart and that’s just not frequent enough for a forward player.
For most of the summer it felt as though Gray was on his way but even with new on-loan recruit Jack Harrison yet to come, the deadline day departure of Alex Iwobi – a player who had been a regular on the wing under the current manager – has made the Jamaican international’s late move feeling like an exit too far.
So the reality is any problem will be dealt with exactly how it has so far this season - with James Garner slotting in on the right of midfield. Should Harrison or McNeil get injured then the most obvious solution would be to move to a 4-4-1-1, allowing Garner to play as wide midfielder rather than a winger, and with Danjuma playing off Beto or Dominic Calvert-Lewin.
Of course Everton possess talent out wide in Arnaut Danjuma and Dwight McNeil, while there is a hope that Jack Harrison can offer something different when he recovers from injury. But the brutal truth is that aside from those trio, there are no other natural wing players. With huge losses in recent years to contend with and a new stadium to pay for, it's clear that Everton are having to cut their cloth accordingly, and they deserve credit for getting good deals for those players mentioned above. But they are playing a dangerous game.
United Kingdom Latest News, United Kingdom Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Everton sources: Demarai Gray agrees exit as medical passedFootball Insider has been told by sources that Demarai Gray has agreed a deal with Al Ettifaq after their initial bid was rejected by Everton.
Read more »
Demarai Gray set for £8m Saudi Pro League transfer after rift with Everton's Sean DycheGray's exit is the best outcome for all parties as well as a boost to the club's coffers which could be used for reinforcements in January
Read more »
Simon Jordan delivers damning Demarai Gray verdict as Everton exit nearsDemarai Gray is closing in on a transfer move away from Everton to Saudi Arabia
Read more »
Demarai Gray transfer to Al-Ettifaq complete as fee Everton receive revealedDemarai Gray has completed his transfer from Everton to Saudi Pro League side Al-Ettifaq.
Read more »
Demarai Gray gets his wish as he leaves Everton for Steven Gerrard’s Al-EttifaqThe winger had fallen out with Toffees boss Sean Dyche.
Read more »
Demarai Gray gets his wish as he leaves Everton for Steven Gerrard’s Al-EttifaqThe winger had fallen out with Toffees boss Sean Dyche.
Read more »