Everton have been forced into some major sales in the last few years, forced to forego their prized assets in favour of financial parity.
It was a must rather than a want, and in the end seems to have finally brought about some stability to the Toffees.
However, of all the outgoings overseen by Farhad Moshiri, some have actually represented fine pieces of business, to either offload players for a huge profit or attain a lofty fee for an academy graduate.
Lewis Dobbin represents the latter, and Demarai Gray would mark a fine example of the former.
Demarai Gray could now leave Saudi Arabia
However, despite having left Merseyside just last summer, intent on departing Sean Dyche’s regime in favour of Saudi Arabian side Al Ettifaq, reports are now emerging that suggest his stay there could be a short one.
In fact, the latest on his future comes courtesy of journalist Ben Jacobs, who took to X to issue an update on his future.
He wrote: ‘Exclusive: Demarai Gray could leave Al-Ettifaq this summer. Serious interest from Galatasaray and from one Premier League club.’
Demarai Gray explained why he left Everton just days after his exit was confirmed.
Demarai Gray always lacked consistency at Everton
Upon first being acquired by Rafael Benitez, during a summer of the utmost restrictions, it was laughed at how pitiful that this £1.7m man was their marquee acquisition of the window.
And yet, he actually developed into a pretty integral player for Everton, eventually moving on for £10m; a much-needed profit.
During his spell in royal blue, he was capable of some real moments of magic too, and the blistering start to his career at Goodison Park typified his play style.
However, the barren spell that followed was a better indication of his frustrating lack of consistency.
He scored after a mazy run at Elland Road, before then firing home to put them in front against Brighton and Hove Albion. Even a week later he dispatched from the close range against Burnley.
However, finishing that season on just five goals and four assists marked an admirable but ultimately disappointing return given this start, and he would leave the following campaign having again only scored four in the Premier League.
A classic tale of what could have been, had he just found consistency within that abundance of talent.