Everton and Barcelona have now formalised a one year loan deal for Gerard Deulofeu ahead of next season. The young player will leave the Catalan giants in search of valuable playing time and will be under the orders of ex Latics boss, Roberto Martinez.
Deulofeu, who is one of the stars of the Spanish U-20 team, will embark on a new adventure in order to continue to gain valuable experience to return to FC Barcelona at a later date. The Catalan player will join ex Atletico Madrid goalkeeper Joel Robles, who also became a ‘Toffee’ this week.
BBC Sport said: “Gerard is a real diamond of Spanish football and has incredible footballing talent,” said manager Roberto Martinez. “I am delighted that he has chosen to take the next step of his career with Everton.”
Sky Sports said: The 19-year-old – regarded as one of the brightest stars in the four-time European champions’ academy – scored 18 times in 32 appearances for Bareclona’s B side last season and recently signed a long-term contract.
In his first interview as an Everton player, Gerard Deulofeu said that he has “come to one of football’s historic clubs. I am really looking forward to starting.” I follow the Premier League, it is one of the best leagues in the world. The youth academy star acknowledged that he has “trained with the best in the world with the likes of Messi and Iniesta. It’s a great experience and I learned from them.”
“I have spoken to Roberto Martinez. We spoke on the phone. He did a good job at Wigan and I hope to meet him soon,” he said. “Now I have a few days off but I’m already thinking about the start of the new season with Everton,” added Gerard Deulofeu.
Everton fan here….dont worry about young Gerard lads…he’ll be looked after as if he were one of our own. Check out Landon Donovans’ views on Everton after he spent some loan time with us. Lots of us looking forward to seeing what your boy can bring to the Premier League.
@Jonesy I think he will do really well at Everton with the likes of Baines and co. The only bad thing is that Barcelona will want him back once Martínez has finished doing the job. There should be something in his loan deal that gives Everton first refusal on him in my opinion..