Premier League English

Everton sign Demarai Gray from Bayer Leverkusen

British media Everton have signed winger Demarai Gray from Bundesliga side Bayer Leverkusen for around €1.86m on a three-year contract with other financial details of the transfer not disclosed.

Gray is highly optimistic about his move, saying: “I feel this is a place where I can continue to develop.”

The former England Under-21 international started his career with Birmingham City in 2013 before moving to Leicester City three years later abd was part of the club’s Premier League-winning team in the 2015-16 season.

The 25-year-old departed Leicester for Leverkusen in January this year, making 12 appearances for the German outfit in the 2020-21 season, scoring once.

“I’m delighted to be back in the Premier League at such a big club and I’m excited to play with the team and get to work,” Gray told evertontv from the club’s pre-season training base in Florida.

“Speaking to the manager [Rafa Benitez] and [director of football] Marcel Brands, I had a really good feel for the club and I feel this is a place where I can continue to develop.”

Gray is new Everton boss Rafa Benitez’s third signing following the arrival of goalkeeper Asmir Begovic and winger Andros Townsend.

Everton finished 10th last season and will begin their Premier League campaign at home to Southampton on 14 August.