Gerard Deulofeu possibly returning to Barcelona became a possibility, even if at first a remote one, when Luis Enrique announced he wouldn’t be continuing as manager beyond the current season.
Enrique wasn’t impressed with Deulofeu and sent him out on loan to Sevilla, then a permanent move to Everton followed and there was no suggestion the buyback clause was something Barcelona were set to use.
The player’s better form for AC Milan after joining on loan from Everton has of course helped open up the possibility of a Barcelona return and Marca cover that on Wednesday.
Deulofeu is seen as a value option, with his buyback clause stated as €12m and ‘not exorbitant’. Other options include Sevilla’s Vitolo, but Marca reckon he’d cost at least €30m.
It all depends on Barcelona’s next manager and Marca say the Everton owned player will be presented as an option to them.
With both Koeman, a Barcelona legend, and Enrique finding Deulofeu difficult to work with and get the most out of, the odds have been stacked against a return.
The 23 year old will have to go some way to ensure that clause is used.