Leaving Everton in January on a loan for AC Milan, Gerard Deulofeu’s start to his Serie A career is yet to produce anything of note.
Making two appearances for the Italian side since his transfer, the Spanish winger has seen his side lose both games, most recently at the weekend with Sampdoria winning 1-0 at the San Siro.
Speaking after the game, the Serie A side’s CEO Adriano Galliani discussed the player’s arrival in January, and gave the reasons why they targeted the Toffees’ winger and Marseille winger Lucas Ocampos over other targets.
He told Premium Sport, relayed by FCInter1908: “I tried to identify players who were very strong but had not met expectations. Lucas Ocampos was the best U18 player in the world when Monaco bought him and Deulofeu was the best talent in Barcelona’s cantera. I think those who have been champions, or show promise, can return to that level.”
Unable to spend money this transfer window without getting rid of players first, AC Milan had to focus on bringing in some loans for the remainder of the season.
The departures of Luiz Adriano and Mbaye Niang on loan to Watford seemed enough to enable Vincenzo Montella and co. to offer Everton enough up front for Deulofeu’s loan, as well as afford the 22-year-old’s wages for the next five months or so.
Now, they just need to get him scoring and assisting.
