Gerard Deulofeu signed for Everton in 2013, on loan from FC Barcelona in new manager, Roberto Martinez’s first season at the club since moving from Wigan Athletic after his FA Cup win, replacing David Moyes who had joined Manchester United after Sir Alex Ferguson had retired.
After a successful loan spell at the blues, helping the club to a 5th-place finish, the Spaniard would join Spanish side, Sevilla on loan. This loan move was also a success, leading to him moving back to Everton, this time permanently, for a fee believed to be around £7 million [via transfermarkt], with Barcelona including a buy-back clause in his contract.
After two years at the club, Deulofeu asked to leave the club due to his poor relationship with new manager, Ronald Koeman.
In an interview with AS, he stated: [via EvertonBlueArmy]
“In Ronald Koeman’s time, I didn’t play. I am an ambitious player and I can’t be on the bench, so I decided to go on loan to AC Milan, where I recovered happiness, confidence, good play.”
Former Everton player Gerard Deulofeu on his time at Everton: “In Ronald Koeman’s time, I didn’t play. I am an ambitious player and I can’t be on the bench, so I decided to go on loan to AC Milan, where I recovered happiness, confidence, good play.” (Source: AS) pic.twitter.com/xunLh7ZTA8
— Everton Blue Army (@EvertonBlueArmy) April 29, 2019
Due to Lionel Messi picking up a long-term injury, Barcelona decided to activate their buy-back clause in the Spaniard’s contract to replace the Argentinian, leaving Everton on a permanent deal for around £10 million.
However, Messi returned to the Barcelona squad earlier than expected, leading to Deulofeu leaving for fellow Premier League side, Watford on loan for the remainder of the 2017/18 season. Again, his stay in England was a success, leading to Watford agreeing to sign him permanently at the end of the season.
The winger would have a successful spell at Watford, even inspiring them to an FA Cup final with two late goals against Wolves in a 3-2 win. When the club eventually got relegated in 2020, he moved to Serie A side, Udinese for £18 million [via transfermarkt].
In the current season with the Italian side, Deulofeu has one goal, but has 6 assists, with his side sitting in a champions league spot 10 games in.
Although he is no longer the lightening quick teenager that Everton signed 8 years ago, but the 28-year-old obviously still has a lot of quality left in him. The blues have really been struggling for goals so far this season and the introduction of Deulofeu to the attack still could really benefit Frank Lampard’s side. Although there is no evidence of any interest in the Spaniard from the toffees, it is more than likely that they will sign an attacker in January.
Could Deulofeu be the perfect fit?
Should Everton resign Deulofeu?Yes
No
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