Everton transfer ‘very good’ financially for club, and part of wider plan this summer

 

Gerard Deulofeu to Barcelona has gone a little quiet. It’s no longer being reported on several times a day by the Catalan media.

Sent on loan from Everton to AC Milan in the January transfer window, Deulofeu started well and his cameo for Spain against France, in a 2-0 victory, saw the hype go through the roof.

With Barcelona having a €12m buyback clause, the Catalan media assumed that option would be taken up. More recently doubt has been brought into the picture, because Deulofeu has to agree to the Everton clause being activated.

That’s reiterated by Sport on Wednesday, but getting the player back is still considered important because it’s good value, part of a wider Barcelona plan to leave money for one or two very big signings this summer.

Deulofeu probably doesn’t want that, and has his eyes set of Spain’s World Cup squad. Being a Barcelona bit part player may not help that.

The 23 year old’s last two performances for AC Milan, against Crotone and AS Roma, haven’t been among his best since moving to Italy, but it’s still likely Milan would be willing to pay Everton more than the €12m for a summer deal.