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Richard Buxton·5 September 2023
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Richard Buxton·5 September 2023
Sean Dyche has responded to Demarai Gray’s claims about his Everton future
The Jamaica international appeared to take a swipe as his manager in an Instagram post, saying “It’s so difficult to play or someone who don’t (sic) show you respect as a person”.
Gray, who joined the Toffees in 2021, was heavily linked with a move to the Saudi Pro League this summer yet is set to remain at Goodison Park for the foreseeable.
But Dyche has attempted to provide some context around the stand-off over the winger’s future in light of his social media critique.
“I think on this occasion, it’s right to reply,” said Dyche.
“Demarai made it clear that he felt he was getting a move and he told us a move was done, which was interesting to hear that from a player.
“We reminded him of the truth of the fact that no move’s done without this club’s say-so.
“We look all the different ways of looking after these players; mental health and wellbeing is big, tactics, the technical, the physical – we look at all of that for these players and look after them.
“When it comes to a time like that and go ‘Well, hang on a minute. You made it clear you didn’t want to train, you didn’t want to be here, and you also said there was a move that was a done deal’.
“We said, ‘It’s not a done deal because this club is the most important. This club will make decisions on the future of you as players – not the other way around’.”
Gray has scored 12 goals in 75 appearances for Everton since his reported £1.5m transfer from Bayer Leverkusen two years ago.
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