Gerard Deulofeu has completed his much anticipated return to Everton, this time permanently, in a deal worth around £4.2m. He has signed a 3 year deal, with Everton having the option to trigger a further year.
Deulofeu spent the 2013-14 season on loan at Goodison, and despite only making sporadic appearances; he quickly became a fan-favourite with his direct style.
Deulofeu returned to Barcelona the following summer hoping to force his way into the first team picture at the Nou Camp. However, following the appointment of Luis Enrique as manager and the signing of Luis Suarez, he soon found himself out on loan again.
His time at Sevilla was eminently less successful than the previous season at Everton, as he struggled to make a mark at the Estadio Ramón Sánchez Pizjuán. He came under criticism from manager Unai Emery who questioned the youngster’s maturity, and the U21 international even found himself named in the worst La Liga XI of the 2014-15 season.
Nevertheless, that hasn’t dissuaded Roberto Martinez from pursuing Deulofeu, and he has now finally got his man. Although the deal is a cheap one for Everton, Barcelona have inserted a buy back clause, which would allow the Catalan club to repurchase the youngster in 2016 or 2017. They also have first refusal on him should Everton decide to sell him.
Martinez said, “Gerard needs no introduction to anyone here at Everton, for we are all well aware of his incredible footballing talent. We got to know him really well from his loan period, not only as such a talented player but also his great character. He will be a fantastic asset to our Club.”
