Barcelona’s Robert Fernandez has hinted at a move to re-sign Gerard Deulofeu from Everton.
Camp Nou, Barcelona
Barcelona director Robert Fernandez has been quoted by Spanish newspaper Sport as saying that a move to re-sign Everton’s Gerard Deulofeu could go through this summer.
Deulofeu, now 23, came up through the ranks of Barcelona’s famed La Masia academy, and was billed as a star of the future during his teenage years, with some suggesting that he was the best prospect to come through since Lionel Messi.
However, the wide man made just six first-team appearances for Barca as he failed to live up to his billing, and after loan spells with Everton and Sevilla, he was sold to the former in the summer of 2015.
Four goals in 33 games under Roberto Martinez was a decent return last season, but after just 11 league appearances in the first half of this season, Ronald Koeman sent the Spaniard out on loan to AC Milan.
Since making his move to Italy, Deulofeu has notched one goal and three assists in just nine Serie A games, earning a surprise recall to the Spanish national team for upcoming games against Israel and France.
Deulofeu’s improved performances may give him a chance to salvage his Everton career – or they could, surprisingly, earn him a shock return to the club he first joined at the age of just nine.
Everton’s Gerard Deulofeu
Barcelona director Robert Fernandez has been speaking about Deulofeu’s situation, and newspaper Sport quote him as saying that the winger’s return to the Camp Nou is possible this summer.
Fernandez is happy with how Deulofeu is performing for AC Milan, and thanks to a buy-back clause in his deal with Everton, Barcelona can re-sign him for €12million (£10million) this summer.
“We have the possibility and that is good, we have the possibility to do it and I am very happy with what is happening,” said Fernandez. “He was at Everton and wasn’t playing. He made the transfer to Milan, is playing and has been called up for the national team. We will wait for events. It is good news to have the possibility. I think it’s €12m to recover him,” he added.
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