How much money Birmingham City will need to pay to re-sign Demarai Gray | OneFootball

Birmingham City have been linked with the signing of former player Demarai Gray this summer

Demarai Gray has emerged as a possible transfer target for Birmingham City this summer window.

The winger is currently plying his trade in Saudi Arabia with Al-Ettifaq but, according to GiveMeSport, he is seeking a return to English football and Birmingham are looking to bring him back to where it all started.

Gray began his career at Birmingham before earning a move to Leicester, and has spent the bulk of his career playing top-flight football with the Foxes and Everton.

The Blues are preparing for life back in the Championship after gaining promotion from League One under Chris Davies at the first attempt last season. Ambitious owners, Knighthead, are hoping to build a team capable of immediately competing at the top end of the second division, as they set their sights on Premier League football.

Here we look at how much a potential move for Gray could cost Birmingham this summer…

How much Demarai Gray could cost Birmingham City.

It is believed that Birmingham will face stiff competition in the race to sign Gray this summer.

It has been reported that Sunderland are eyeing a move for the forward, as they look to strengthen Régis Le Bris’ side following their promotion to the Premier League.

Italian outfit Fiorentina have also made an approach for the 28-year-old, but it remains to be seen whether he would be open to a move to Serie A.

It has been claimed that it will take up to £8 million to convince Al-Ettifaq to cash in on Gray, who they are open to letting go this summer.

However, it is unclear whether the player would be open to a return to St. Andrew’s at this time, having been with the club previously from 2013 to 2016.

It is understood that Gray is keen on a return to the Premier League, which Sunderland could offer him if they made a firm approach for his signature.

While the Black Cats are long admirers of the former Everton and Leicester City star, a firm approach has not yet been made by the Wearside outfit as they look to build a team capable of competing in the top flight.

Meanwhile, Birmingham have reportedly made contact with the Saudi club, but have not yet made any concrete progress on completing a deal.

Demarai Gray’s Al-Ettifaq performances

Gray made the switch to Al-Ettifaq in the summer of 2023, departing Everton after two seasons at Goodison Park.

During his two years in the Middle East, Gray made 47 league appearances, contributing four goals and three assists.

He helped Al-Ettifaq finish sixth and seventh in the Saudi Pro League across the last two seasons.

However, his influence on the team has waned in the last 12 months, failing to score or assist in the league across the 2024/25 term.

Gray also has Premier League experience he could offer Davies’ side next season, should a move come to fruition.

He spent six seasons with the Foxes in the top flight, and was even a part of the side that won the 2015/16 Premier League title after leaving Birmingham, where he started his career.

Gray also spent two years with Everton, where he was a key part of the side prior to his move to Saudi Arabia.