Demarai Gray could offer real competition for Richarlison [Opinion]

Everton’s reported interest in Leicester City winger Demarai Gray may be fantastic cause for celebration among ardent Toffees, but any move for the 24-year-old could spell doom for Bernard.

With six months left on his contract, the 2016 Premier League winner looks increasingly set to move away from the Midlands, having fallen out of favour at the King Power Stadium. The English winger has only featured for Brendan Rodgers’ side in the Carabao Cup, or for the under-23s Foxes squad, this season.

Unsurprisingly, multiple suitors have been alerted to his situation, with Carlo Ancelotti’s side reportedly joined by Tottenham, Southampton and Crystal Palace in the race to sign the 24-year-old.

Given the player’s age, he is eligible to sign a pre-contract agreement with non-English clubs in January, but league suitors may still be eyeing a bargain move in the winter.

However, it is the disappointing form of Bernard which could define the Toffees’ proclivity towards a transfer for Gray.

Since joining from Ukrainian side Shakhtar Donetsk on a free transfer in 2018, Bernard has managed just seven goals and seven assists on Merseyside in more than 70 games – hardly a record to suggest he could meaningfully challenge Richarlison for his place on the left flank.

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Bernard may have arrived at Goodison Park on a free transfer yet one can’t help but feel that he ought to have delivered more than he has. It is for this reason that Gray’s Leicester record of 13 goals and 14 assists in makes him seem a far more reliable backup to Richarlison.

Although his record is not exceptional, he is four years Bernard’s junior and retains the potential to develop, particularly as he comes into his mid-20s. For someone who might not be expected to start over Richarlison, a cheap deal for Gray seems to carry a relatively low risk and could be worth pursuing.