Rafa Benitez has explained how he was in contact with Demarai Gray and his agent before joining Everton and signing the winger from Bayer Leverkusen, via the Liverpool Echo.
Farhad Moshiri appointed Benitez as his latest head coach in July after Carlo Ancelotti left to re-join Real Madrid. But FFP concerns ensured Benitez could not spend as easily as Ancelotti or his predecessors had under the billionaire owner.
In the end, Benitez spent less than £2m altogether on Gray, Andros Townsend, Salomon Rondon, Asmir Begovic and Andy Lonergan. And his intentions to sign Gray long predated the Spanish tactician’s own arrival at Goodison Park earlier this summer.
Benitez has explained how Gray – who has been one of Everton’s stars of the season so far – left an instant impression while playing his Newcastle United side with Leicester City.
The 25-year-old faced the Spaniard three times, with a best display in December 2017 after scoring in a 3-2 win. He also featured at St James’ Park at striker, rather than his wide role.
“When I was at Newcastle, we played against Leicester and he did really well,” Benitez said. “Since then, we were following him, and I was in contact with his agent asking about how he was doing.
“I also sent the boy a message when he was in Germany, asking how he was getting on and how was he adapting to the style of life in Germany. So, I had communication and was following him. I told my staff to keep an eye on him because we knew he has potential.”
Gray finally fulfilling Benitez expectations at Everton
Gray’s goal against Benitez’s Newcastle in 2017/18 was one of his final highlights of the now Everton star’s season. He had also scored against the Toffees and Burnley, but did not net again over the second-half of the campaign.
His Leicester career piqued in 2018/19, too, with four goals in 34 games, before playing 21 times the season after. Then, in 2020/21, he only featured for 18 minutes before joining Leverkusen in January. Where the former England U21 star made 10 Bundesliga outings.
Gray is now in the form of his life with three goals in just four appearances under Benitez at Everton. Finally fulfilling the Spaniard’s expectations, four-years after leaving a mark on his Newcastle side. Benitez certainly won’t regret Gray’s £1.7m move to Everton at this rate.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
