According reports from the Liverpool Echo, highly-rated Barcelona winger Gerard Deulofeu could be returning to Everton this summer.
The youngster spent last season on-loan at Sevilla, but failed to impress and fell out with boss Unai Emery.
Loan
The youngster enjoyed a successful loan spell at Goodison Park in season 2013/14, helping the Toffees to finish fifth in the Premier League in Roberto Martinez’s debut campaign on Merseyside.
Martinez was keen to extend the youngsters stay for another season, but Barcelona decided they wanted Deulofeu to gain some experience in the Spanish top-flight.
Sevilla
When Deulofeu arrived in Andalusia big things were expected of the mercurial star. However, he made just 17 appearances, as Sevilla finished fifth in La Liga and won the Europa League. His attitude was criticised by boss Emery.
His mentality was also questioned in his days at Barcelona, but there were very few signs of that under Martinez at Everton. He seemed very keen to impress and obviously appreciated the managerial style of his fellow Catalan.
Return
Deulofeu does not appear to be in the plans of Barcelona. Deulofeu was due to return to the club this summer, but due to Pedro Rodriguez signing a contract extension he is unlikely to get much first team football next season.
Twitter was apparently ‘awash’ yesterday with rumours that the 21’s year-olds agent was at Everton’s training ground Finch Farm to discuss a deal for the winger.
There have even been suggestions that he could make a permanent move to the Toffees, despite the winger having a £20million release clause.
Maybe Everton is the place that Gerard Deulofeu can flourish once again, but whether the rumours and speculation turn into something solid remains to be seen.
Will Everton sign Gerard Deulofeu this summer?
