Softfootball can report that Demarai Gray will return to his boyhood club following signing with Championship side Birmingham City from Saudi Pro League side Al Ettifaq on a free transfer ahead of the 2025/2026 EFL Championship season. The transfer is a year-long deal with the Championship side.
The 28-year-old winger returns to his boyhood club nearly a decade after his departure, with Al Ettifaq reportedly retaining a 20% sell-on clause as part of the agreement, as reported by Sportsmax.
Gray completed his medical in two phases over Sunday and Monday, respectively, paving the way for his return to St Andrew’s, where he registered 72 appearances with eight goals.
Softfootball understands that the deal marks a full-circle moment for Gray, who joined Birmingham’s academy in 2006 and made his senior debut at just 17 years old in October 2013. During his initial spell, he made 72 appearances and scored eight goals before sealing a £3.7 million move to Leicester City in January 2016.
Gray went on to become part of Premier League history just months later, playing a role in Leicester’s iconic 2015/16 title-winning campaign. After five years at the King Power Stadium, the winger moved to Bayer Leverkusen in the German Bundesliga before making his return to English football with Everton in July 2021.
He joined Al Ettifaq in 2023, making the switch to the Saudi Pro League, but is now set to reintroduce himself to English fans as he leads Birmingham’s push for promotion.
Softfootball had earlier reported how Championship side Sheffield Wednesday wonderkid Caelan-Kole Cadamarteri went to Manchester City in a deal worth £1.5 million. This explains the arrival of old legs, as the race for teenage football talent is drawing top clubs to the Championship. It also shows that big clubs need young talents for sustainability, while the Championship side wants old legs for experience.
Gray, who has earned 27 caps for Jamaica and scored seven goals, is expected to bring experience and flair to Birmingham’s attacking line.
With the Blues aiming to bounce back after a turbulent spell outside the top flight, Gray’s return is viewed as a major boost, both on and off the pitch.
