Stories have been building over the past week that Barcelona are set to use their €12m clause and buy Gerard Deulofeu back from Everton.
The Spanish international was sent on loan to AC Milan in January, and has impressed since the move, although he’s not been quite as good as some of the hype would suggest.
Deulofeu’s impact for Spain against France this week has been more pressing for Barcelona, and makes activating the €12m clause likelier.
There have been some claims that Barca would then sell Deulofeu on immediately for a profit, which would be a frustration for Everton, but the Merseyside club have clauses in the contract which makes that impossible.
It would allow Ronald Koeman to know what the situation is early, and whether there’s the chance of Deulofeu arriving back at Goodison Park.
Koeman, just like Luis Enrique, wasn’t enthralled with Deulofeu’s attitude, but the 23 year old is said to be maturing and an Everton future can’t be completely ruled out.
Deulofeu clause: Everton’s rights, club protection against resale, and % of future profit. #EFC https://t.co/1FnCMoBMe3
— Sport Witness (@Sport_Witness) March 30, 2017