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    Demarai Gray completes Al-Ettifaq transfer after ugly Everton exit as club release blunt parting statement

    DEMARAI GRAY has joined Al-Ettifaq in an £8million transfer from Everton.The 27-year-old penned a four-year deal with the Saudi Pro League side earlier this week after falling out with Sean Dyche.
    Gray has completed a move to Al-EttifaqCredit: Instagram @demarai
    He took to Instagram on Thursday morning to bid farewell to Everton fans.
    But he also fired a parting shot at club chiefs.
    In an official statement, Gray wrote: “After two years with Everton, it’s time to say goodbye.
    “I wish everyone at the club the very best and will be forever proud to have played for this great team.
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    “To the fans, you were always incredible – thank you for your support. You made it a privilege to wear the shirt.
    “There has been a lot of speculation about my situation all summer. The truth is, I gave my all to this club on and off the pitch through good and bad.
    “I was ready to play as much football as possible this season but it felt like this was not going to happen.
    “It’s time for my next chapter. I am match fit and excited to get playing.”
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    The winger recently fell out with Everton boss DycheCredit: Getty
    Everton also released a blunt statement to confirm Gray’s departure.
    It read: “Everton have sold Demarai Gray to Al-Ettifaq on a permanent transfer for an undisclosed fee.
    “Gray moves on after the Blues opted to sell the 27-year-old forward to the Saudi Arabian club. It brings an end to his two-year spell on Merseyside, having signed from Bayer Leverkusen in 2021.
    “Gray made 75 appearances and scored 12 goals for Everton. The Jamaica international started his career with hometown club Birmingham City before joining Leicester City in 2016.”
    The winger hit out at Dyche last week after falling out of favour at Goodison Park.
    He said: “Everton fans have always been great with me. But it’s so difficult to play for someone who doesn’t show you respect as a person.”
    However, the Everton boss hit back at the comments, claiming: “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 from a player.
    “We reminded him of the truth of the fact that no moves are done without this club’s say so.”
    Gray is now set to join Steven Gerrard and Jordan Henderson at Al-Ettifaq.
    Gerrard was appointed as manager of the Saudi side at the beginning of July, while Henderson completed a £12million transfer from Liverpool three weeks later.
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    Al-Ettifaq announced the winger’s arrival with a video game-inspired clip on social media.
    The video appeared to poke fun at the club’s Saudi Pro League rivals Al-Ittihad, who have so far failed to sign top transfer target Mohamed Salah.
    Al-Ettifaq poked fun at Al-Ittihad, who are trying to sign SalahCredit: Instagram @ettifaq More

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    Watch Jordan Pickford score ‘incredibly Everton own goal’ vs Sheff Utd before redeeming himself with stunning save

    JORDAN PICKFORD scored an incredibly unlucky own goal to give Sheffield United the lead against Everton.Yet the Toffees stopper had the last laugh with a stunning late save
    So unlucky for Jordan Pickford… 🫣Sheffield Utd take the lead as an shot off the post bounces off the Everton keeper and ends up in the back of the net… 😳#SHUEVE pic.twitter.com/u1oaunrOYl— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) September 2, 2023

    Cameron Archer’s rasping shot just before half time forced Jordan Pickford to try and make a huge saveCredit: GETTY
    Pickford tried his best to stop the curling shot, which hit the postCredit: TNT SPORTS
    The ball cannoned off the post and into Pickford’s back before going into the netCredit: TNT SPORTS
    The Blades went 2-1 up courtesy of a first-half stoppage time OG from the Toffees and England stopper.
    Pickford narrowly missed a rasping shot from Cameron Archer, which cannoned off the far post, with a full stretch dive.
    But unfortunately for him, the ball hit his back and went into the net.
    Pickford cut a forlorn figure as he contemplated his poor luck as the Bramall Lane faithful went wild.
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    Footie fans were quick to comment on the almost calamitous own goal for last season’s relegation battlers.
    One said: “Painful.
    Another said: “Hey Siri, describe Everton football club in one video.”
    And another said: “Needs Curb your Enthusiasm music played over that.”
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    One remarked: “Oh that is so Everton.”
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    Another chimed in: “That is an incredibly Everton goal.”
    Everton’s trip to the Steel City started well when Abdoulaye Doucoure put them in front in the 14th minute.
    Their lead, however, lasted less than 20 minutes when Archer put the home side back on level terms.
    Pickford’s own goal saw Sean Dyche’s men go 2-1 down before the half-time interval.
    But they got back on level terms in the 55th minute through Villareal loanee Arnaut Danjuma.
    The match was to end 2-2 – but only thanks to Pickford’s heroics.
    He pulled off a wonder save to stop Oliver McBurnie at the death, also denying a follow up chance that would have meant certain defeat for Everton.
    Pickford’s late save earned his side a pointCredit: Getty More

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    Forgotten former Arsenal star labelled ‘unbelievable’ by Arsene Wenger ‘in talks over transfer to Fulham’

    ALEX IWOBI is in talks to join Fulham from Everton, reports say. The Nigeria international started the Toffees first two Premier League games of the season before picking up a hamstring injury.
    Alex Iwobi is linked with a move away from EvertonCredit: Getty
    He was an integral part of Everton’s top flight survival last term, starting in every single match.
    But according to talkSPORT, Sean Dyche is open to selling Iwobi and Fulham are “in advanced talks” with the club.
    The playmaker has only one year left on his deal and the recent signings of Arnaut Danjuma and Jack Harrison look to have opened the door to an exit.
    Iwobi joined Everton from Arsenal in a £40million move in 2019.
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    He spent four senior seasons with the Gunners after graduating from their academy and being given a debut by Arsene Wenger.
    And managerial icon Wenger once hailed Iwobi as an “unbelievable” talent after he broke into Arsenal’s squad.
    He said in 2017: “I think Alex is a player who grows regularly.
    “This season, for the first time he’s adding what we want from him – goals – to his qualities, which are exceptional.
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    “Overall I think he has a good attitude and now he becomes efficient in front of goal as well.
    “This kind of experiences like the one against Argentina will help him even more to grow.
    “He’s worked a lot on his finishing and he’s improved a lot. Compared to one year ago, the difference in unbelievable.”
    Arsene Wenger once hailed Alex Iwobi as ‘unbelievable’Credit: Getty – Contributor More

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    Meet Everton’s £25m new boy Beto who was working at a KFC just FOUR YEARS AGO before realising footballing dream

    EVERTON new-boy Beto, 25, was working for KFC just FOUR YEARS AGO before realising his dream of becoming a professional footballer.The Toffees have sealed a deal with Udinese that will see them pay the Serie A club £25million.
    Beto will lead the line for Everton after signing for £25millionCredit: Getty
    He will wear the number 14 shirt for the ToffeesCredit: Getty
    Beto during his days in PortugalCredit: instagram @beto_norberto_14
    He scored ten goals and registered one assist in 33 league appearances last season.
    It’s been a rags to riches story for the Portuguese striker, who told DAZN last summer that he was forced to work a second job while playing for amateur Lisbon side Tires in 2018.
    He said: “I was training with Tires and working in Portugal, it was a nice life. I was working at KFC. It was good.”
    Beto began his ascent to the Premier League by leaving Tires to join third division Portuguese side Clube Olimpico Monjito.
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    It was at Monjito that he was noticed by Liga NOS side Portimonense and after just a year of playing in the third tier found himself playing in Portugal’s highest division.
    Asked by DAZN how he feels walking past a KFC now he is a fully-fledged pro, he said: “Nothing special, but when I return home, I always go to that KFC to visit my friends.
    “I’ve always believed I could have become a footballer. I wanted to become a professional football player.
    “My team-mates didn’t believe it, maybe just two of them. They were telling me: ‘Beto, it’s hard, it’s impossible.’ Then I joined Portimonense and they changed their mind.”
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    Beto will join Portuguese compatriot and fellow striker Youssef Chermiti at Everton, who signed for £12m from Sporting earlier this month.
    Toffees boss Sean Dyche was desperate to reinforce his forward line this summer after his strikers proved particularly blunt in front of goal last season.
    Neal Maupay managed just one goal in 27 appearances and an injury hit Dominic Calvert Lewin scored just two goals in his 17 outings.
    Calvert Lewin’s injury woe continued when he suffered a horror eye injury against Aston Villa in Everton’s second game.
    Everton are yet to score a goal this season, so Toffees fans will be desperate for Beto to make an instant impact. More

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    Everton line up transfer for forgotten England international as they target bargain buy after Jack Harrison deal

    EVERTON are considering another bargain buy as they weigh up a move for Southampton goalkeeper Alex McCarthy.The Toffees are operating on a tight budget this summer.
    Alex McCarthy could join Everton from Southampton on a free transferCredit: Getty
    But former England keeper McCarthy could be available on a free transfer.
    One-cap McCarthy, 33, is now one of the top earners at Southampton following James Ward-Prowse’s move to West Ham.
    Despite the former Crystal Palace man having two years left on his deal, it is understood the Saints could allow him to leave for nothing in order to clear his wages.
    McCarthy is now firmly second choice to Gavin Bazunu at St Mary’s.
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    However, he did play the final six games of the Premier League campaign last year as the club were relegated.
    Everton face competition from McCarthy’s former club, Crystal Palace.
    The Eagles are keen on a move after Vicente Guaita’s refusal to play for the first team as the Spaniard pushes for a move away from Selhurst Park.
    Sean Dyche is having to add carefully this summer amid financial restraints.
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    Youssef Chermiti was added in a £12.5million deal.
    But the spending has not been big, with Arnaut Danjuma and Jack Harrison being brought in on loan.
    Ashley Young, meanwhile, arrived on a free transfer following his release from Aston Villa.
    Arnaut Danjuma joined on loan from VillarrealCredit: Getty More

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    Man Utd ‘want £50m-rated Everton star as Sofyan Amrabat alternative as transfer talks for Fiorentina midfielder stall’

    MANCHESTER United are reportedly considering a shock move to sign Everton midfielder Amadou Onana.The 21-year-old is seen as an alternative to Sofyan Amrabat after transfer talks with Fiorentina have stalled.
    United are now considering Onana as an option over Sofyan AmrabatCredit: Getty
    United had previously made Amrabat a priority target, but talks have stalledCredit: Getty
    The Belgian youngster was one of Everton’s top performers during a troublesome campaign in 2022-23. 
    Onana made 33 appearances for the club as they narrowly avoided relegation to the Championship.
    And according to the Daily Mail, United chiefs believe he would be a great option if they cannot land Amrabat from Fiorentina.
    Transfer negotiations have stalled between United and Amrabat, amid interest from Atletico Madrid and Juventus.

    Amrabat caught the eye of Europe’s elite during Morocco’s trip to the semi-finals of the Qatar World Cup. 
    But United are at risk of missing out on the star, as they must sell a few players to fund the move.
    As such, Atletico are now emerging as the frontrunners to land the 26-year-old midfielder.
    This has forced the Red Devils to look at Onana as an alternative midfield signing.
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    The report does not mention how much Onana might cost Man Utd to sign. 
    Although, sources have previously put his valuation at around the £50m mark.
    Whereas, Fiorentina want around £30million for the 26-year-old Moroccan international, who has one year left on his contract.
    Everton are already looking at bringing in a replacement for Onana and Blackburn’s rising star Adam Wharton is in their sights.
    Man Utd boss Erik ten Hag remains keen to further bolster his midfield this summer, having already landed Mason Mount in a £60million deal from Chelsea.
    United midfielder Fred is due to arrive at Fenerbahce ahead of his £13m move, while Donny van de Beek has been linked with Real Sociedad.
    Harry Maguire and Scott McTominay could follow them out of Old Trafford in the coming days. More

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    Everton complete transfer of ‘Football Manager legend’ Youssef Chermiti as fans hail signing

    EVERTON have completed the transfer of “Football Manager legend” Youssef Chermiti.The 19-year-old striker has signed from Sporting Lisbon on a four-year deal for £15million, according to reports.
    Everton have signed youngster Chermiti on a four-year dealCredit: Getty

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    Everton beat the likes of Wolves and Bournemouth to the transfer, according to reports.
    Chermiti played 21 times for Sporting, scoring three goals.
    The wonderkid has been capped four times for Portugal’s Under-19 side.
    Chermiti told Everton TV: “It’s a big move for me. Joining Everton is a new beginning, a new page and I’m very happy to be here. It is a beautiful city and a beautiful club.

    “I’m looking forward to meeting the fans, my new team-mates and to get to work with the coach. I want to embrace everything about the club.”
    However, Chermiti is most commonly known for being a star on the game Football Manager.
    He has the potential to be one of the world’s best on the game and many fans have made FM related comments about the transfer.
    One called him “my FM guy” why another simply described him as an “FM legend”.
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    The Portuguese talent becomes the Toffees third signing.
    Sean Dyche wants to strengthen his attacking options following the arrival of Arnaut Danjuma on loan from Villareal.
    Ashley Young has also signed for Everton from Aston Villa, adding experience to the backline.
    The Blues kick off their Premier League campaign against Fulham on Saturday. More

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    Man Utd handed Hojlund boost with Atalanta on brink of signing replacement striker who was close to Premier League move

    MANCHESTER UNITED have received a major transfer boost with Atalanta closing in on Rasmus Hojlund’s potential replacement.Hojlund poses as United’s top target to spearhead their attack this coming season but negotiations have hit a snag due to his release clause.
    Manchester United have received a major boost in their bid for Atalanta star Rasmus HojlundCredit: Getty
    Atalanta are set to sign Almeria star and Everton target El Bilal Toure, who may replace HojlundCredit: Getty
    The Serie A outfit demand a whopping £86million to let the striker go but the Red Devils insist they won’t go over £60m.
    However, Atalanta appear to be preparing for life without the Denmark international as they are close to landing Almeria star El Bilal Toure.
    According to transfer insider Fabrizio Romano, the two sides reached an agreement on Monday and Gian Piero Gasperini’s side wants to sign Toure by the end of the day.
    The Italians are set to splash a record €28m (£24m), plus €3m (£2.6m) in add-ons for the striker.
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    The deal will also include a 15 per cent sell-on clause to Almeria with their top scorer from last season signing a long-term contract in Bergamo.
    This poses as a major transfer blow for Everton, who held advanced talks with the 21-year-old over the weekend.
    United will be hoping that helps their bid to land Holjlund, who is very keen to move to Old Trafford and has agreed personal terms with the club.
    This comes after manager Erik ten Hag revealed the Manchester giants are “making progress” amid their search for a new centre-forward.
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    Ten Hag said: “We’re making progress but we know how it works and when we have him, we will tell you directly.
    “The only thing I can say is we’ll do everything in our power to get it done.
    “If it was up to me, yeah, as soon as possible, the earlier the better, because we have to integrate him in the team and the way we play.
    “In an ideal situation, he was already here. But you do not always get ideal situations as a manager and you have to deal with the situation.” More