Real confidence that, as long as player wants it, Everton transfer will go through

 

Barcelona remain confident they can sign Gerard Deulofeu this summer, but still accept the player himself may prove hard to convince.

With Ronald Koeman unable to find a meaningful role for Deulofeu at Everton, the Spaniard was sent to AC Milan on loan for the second half of the season. Some good form in Italy saw rumours of a Barcelona return spike, especially because there’s a €12m Everton recall clause, but Deulofeu’s cameo for Spain likely had a bigger impact.

Playing for Milan, the Everton owned player has scored one goal and made zero assists in his past 6 games. Deulofeu has still been playing reasonably well, if his poor performance last time out against Crotone is ignored.

He’s been good enough for Milan, but not good enough to prove he’d breakthrough at Barcelona. And that’s the struggle, because Deulofeu wants to play at Russia 2018 and knows sitting on a bench all season could kill that dream.

Should Deulofeu turn Barcelona down then Everton will be able to sell him on the open market, and will hope for higher amount than the €12m clause.