Barcelona youth-product Gerard Deulofeu has had a tough time at the Camp Nou since his debut for the club in early 2011. In the two years that the winger played with the first team, he made only two appearances in nearly as many years.
Merseyside club Everton came calling for the services of the youngster, who had proved his calibre during the Barcelona ‘B’ days.
It was in Everton that the winger made a bright impression, scoring thrice in the 25 games that he had played for the club. In 2014, however, the Spaniard went to fellow Spanish club Sevilla in a loan deal.
2015 saw Deulofeu move to Everton:
It was in 2015 that the Spaniard was bought by the Merseyside club under the tutelage of Roberto Martinez.
Under Martinez, the winger started well scoring twice in the first few games that he played, and his goal against Arsenal came in at a crucial juncture for the club.
However, just like his previous stint with the club, the winger suffered a dip in his form and eventually, the winger’s role at the club was down to the bench.
Further, Martinez openly criticised the winger for his defensive work, which was in contrast to the other players.
The Winger moved on from Merseyside:
OFFICIAL: Barcelona confirm they have reached an agreement with @WatfordFC for the permanent transfer of Gerard Deulofeu.
The Premier League side will pay €13m, plus €4m in variables, whilst Barca will receive an undisclosed percentage of any future transfer. pic.twitter.com/9y34e4QyZO
— Squawka News (@SquawkaNews) June 11, 2018
While players such as Lukaku made the effort to get the ball back from the defender, the winger ran up-hill and down-hill to not make a perfect cross or a run in the up-third of the pitch.
Deulofeu found his form back during his stint at Milan, and further went back home to Barcelona in an 11 million deal.
The homecoming did not last long for the winger, as he was loaned to Watford and he plied his trade at the Vicarage Road instead of Camp Nou.
After his success at Watford, the club has signed the winger for an initial £11.5m fee on a five-year deal from Barcelona.
Barcelona could earn a further £3.5m in add-ons and will also receive a percentage of any future transfer to other clubs.
“We are very pleased to welcome Gerard back to Vicarage Road and thank FC Barcelona for their part in concluding this deal,” said Watford chairman and chief executive Scott Duxbury.
