The Andre Gray Saga: All You Need to Know
- essentialbrentford
- Aug 18, 2015
- 2 min read
Arguably this Summer's most ambiguous and uncertain Brentford story has been that involving Andre Gray, who is on the verge of joining Bristol City.
Originally linked with QPR, Gray has also caught the eye of Derby, Hull City and most recently Premier League side West Ham.
Speculation in recent weeks was that he would join Hull City, who had three bids rejected from Brentford. However, one can assume that we were reluctant to sell him to a club who will challenge us at the top end of the table this season.
Which brings us to Bristol City, who we defeated 4-2 in our second game of the season - Gray ironically striking against the club he looks set to join.
Whilst Bristol City may well challenge the top half of the table this season (stranger things have happened) it is unlikely that they will pose as big a threat as the Tigers.
Many expected Gray to join his close friend Moses Odubajo in Hull, who were able to offer a high wage salary as well as a realistic chance of Premier League football in future years. As a consequence many will point out that a move to Bristol City is a step in the wrong direction, or indeed a "sideways step".
The fee of £8,000,000 (which is believed to rise to £9,000,000) is an eighteen fold increase on what we bought him for.
Whilst losing a player of such ability and in such good form is obviously a disappointment, the money which we will gain from his departure will no doubt be invested wisely by Marinus Dijkhuizen and the rest of "The Holy Trinity" (See our backroom staff article).
Just as the departure of Odubajo was met with the signing of Anderlecht's Maxime Colin, the departure of Gray looks to be met with the signing of Sebastian Haller. The French U21 striker scored 11 goals and got 5 assists in 17 appearances whilst on loan to Eredivise team FC Utrecht last season from Auxerre.
Arriving at Brentford at the beginning of last season for 500k from Luton Town, Gray was intended to serve as a back up for Scott Hogan. However, due to Hogan's injury (which is set to rule him out until April 2016) Gray was thrust immediately into the spotlight as our primary striker.
Gray's form has divided opinion amongst both supporters and the media. However, his 17 goals in his first season in the Championship was a fantastic effort, and there is no doubt that his pace, strength and commitment will be missed at Griffin Park.
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