Birmingham City urged to sign player who "set the Championship alight" previously - £8m fee dubbed irrelevant | OneFootball

Birmingham City Fan Pundit Jason says even an £8m fee would be worth it for Demarai Gray, as Blues close in on a sensational return.

This article is part of Football League World's 'Terrace Talk' series, which provides personal opinions from our FLW Fan Pundits regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more...

As per reports from the weekend, Birmingham City are closing in on a stunning return for winger Demarai Gray, 12 years after the now-28-year-old first lit up St Andrew's as a teenager.

The winger, most recently at Saudi Pro League side Al-Ettifaq, has been linked with a return to the Blues in recent weeks.

Though the £8 million price tag was initially a sticking point for some fans, reports now suggest that the Blues could secure his signature for less.

Demarai Gray brings top-flight experience

FLW's Blues Fan Pundit Jason Moore was asked whether this is good business for the club, and he is adamant that it is, no matter the price.

"I am still at the standpoint of I'd take him for £8 million," Jason told FLW. "The guy's got Premier League experience, he's played in the Bundesliga, and he was class for us. He set the Championship alight when he was just 18, so even if we had to pay the £8 million, I would still do it."

Jason continued: "If we get him for even less, then that's even better. I don't think our board will get mugged off. They might have overpaid on Stansfield, but I think that was a one-off. £5 million, £8 million, whatever it is, he will still be better than most in the Championship."

Gray's Premier League pedigree

Gray left Birmingham in 2016 for Leicester City, and has since had spells with Bayer Leverkusen, Everton, and most recently, Al-Ettifaq, while earning 24 caps for Jamaica.

Though his time in Saudi Arabia hasn't gone to plan, Jason believes fans should keep things in perspective.

"He is a Premier League-quality player," he said. "Eight million is not bad for that, especially when you've got clubs like Southampton being linked with £14 million players.

"People need to relax. £8 million for someone with Premier League and Bundesliga experience is great. He might have had two poor years in Saudi Arabia, but I wouldn't worry.

Demarai Gray: A homegrown return to spark Birmingham's rise

Gray made 78 appearances for the Blues in his first spell, scoring eight goals and providing four assists. If he returns, it would mark a significant moment for a club on the rise after a record-breaking League One title win.

Having already been linked with former players Che Adams and Nathan Redmond, Gray's comeback could set the tone for a real summer of intent.