The Sports Lowdown For All Your News and OpinionsLeicester City have completed their first bit of January business with the signing of Birmingham City’s Demarai Gray on a four-and-a-half year deal.
A number of Premier League clubs including Tottenham Hotspur and Liverpool have shown interest in the 19-year-old but it’s the Foxes who have acquired the winger’s signature.
The youngster has signed for an undisclosed fee but his contract with Birmingham reportedly had a £3.75 million buy-out clause.
Gray made his debut for Birmingham at the age of 17 and has since made over 70 appearances in the football league.
He has also featured for the England Under-18s, Under-19s and Under-20s and is said to be one of the up-and-coming stars in English football.
Leicester are well aware of Gray’s capabilities after he impressed in the Foxes’ 3-2 win over Birmingham in pre-season, where he scored a fantastic goal.
His skilful feet and pace will fit in extremely well with the style of play Leicester have adopted. His attributes will be very useful in counter-attacking football as he is a direct footballer who can contribute assists and goals.
The decision to join Leicester may prove to be a wise one for Gray as he is joining an ambitious club that is continuously exceeding expectations.
Young stars are often attracted to ‘big’ clubs and struggle to make their mark once a transfer is completed, as seen with Manchester United’s purchase of Wilfried Zaha. At Leicester, Gray will be guaranteed more game time and it is a great opportunity for him to further his career.
It is unlikely he will jump straight into the starting eleven but he will no doubt feature on the bench as an impact substitution for the Foxes’ Premier League matches.
Gray will meet up with the squad on Tuesday, having almost a whole week to settle in before the next game. This means he may well start in the FA Cup game against Tottenham on Sunday; an early opportunity for him to show what he can do.
