Official: Gerard Deulofeu Joins Everton On Loan

FC Barcelona tonight confirmed that talented young Catalan winger Gerard Deulofeu is to spend next season away from the Camp Nou, specifically in the English Premier League, at Everton FC. Having lost long-serving manager David Moyes to Manchester United, Everton moved fast this summer to secure Roberto Martinez, a highly-rated coach who guided Wigan to an unlikely FA Cup win in 2013; and now Martinez, himself a Catalan, displayed a similar urgency to procure Deulofeu for the upcoming 2013-2014 season.

Following Barcelona’s signing of Brazilian superstar Neymar, it was evident that Gerard Deulofeu would have to leave the club on loan to continue his development, particularly after an excellent season in the Segunda Division, where he scored 18 goals in just 33 appearances. With Real Sociedad, Valencia, Sevilla and Tottenhum Hotspur among the clubs reportedly interested in securing his services, Deulofeu was almost spoilt for choice, and as such, Everton supporters, and indeed Barcelona supporters, should be heartened by his decision to play at Goodison Park next season.

After all, with so many clubs vying for his signature, Deulofeu presumably had a multitude of offers to select from, but for whatever reason, he chose Everton. Perhaps it owes to Roberto Martinez’ managerial style; Deulofeu is likely to feature in a system that is at least similar to Barcelona’s, even if it isn’t identical; and of course, Deulofeu may have received guarantees about his playing time, quelling any fears that Culés may have surrounding his development at Everton.

All in all, this promises to be interesting move, for all parties concerned.