Everton have completed the £4.3million signing of Spanish winger Gerard Deulofeu from Barcelona.
The youngster has signed a three-year deal on Merseyside with the option of a further year and will join will official join on July 1st.
Barcelona also have the option to buy Deulofeu back in the first two years of the deal if the Catalan club meet certain requirements.
Loan
Deulofeu spent a relatively successful spell on-loan at Everton in season 2013/14, when the Toffees recorded their highest points tally in the Premier League era.
That was Roberto Martinez’s first season in charge at Goodison Park and both Spaniards impressed on Merseyside.
Unsuccessful
Everton were keen on re-signing Deulofeu for last season, but instead the youngster was sent out on-loan to Sevilla. His attitude was questioned by Sevilla boss Unai Emery and the pair fell out.
With much expected of the winger, he ultimately endured a difficult spell in Andalucía and only played a bit for his temporarily club.
Potential
Since his days at La Masia, Deulofeu has been seen as a star of the future. He was always a cut above most of his opponents and often his teammates when it came to technical ability. However, that gave him a big ego and when things do not go right for him hampers his game.
In Everton’s Roberto Martinez though, he may have found somebody willing to indulge his ego slightly just enough to bring out the best of his undoubted ability.
Bargain
He may have been accused of having attitude problems at Sevilla, but at 21-years-old Deulofeu has the sheer ability to become a superb player. Everton could not buy another player with such potential for such a low fee anywhere else.
Gerard Deulofeu for me could be one of the signings of the summer in the Premier League and has the ability to become a big hero at Everton.
Will Gerard Deulofeu fulfil his potential at Everton?
Great signing by Everton!