Everton Football Club is delighted to announce the permanent signing of
Gerard Deulofeu.
The exciting winger, who enjoyed a season on loan at Goodison Park in 2013/14, returns to Merseyside after the Blues agreed a fee of €6million with European champions Barcelona.
The 21-year-old will officially become an Everton player on 1 July.
Deulofeu has put pen-to-paper on a three-year contract until the summer of 2018, with Everton having the option of a further year on the Spaniard’s deal. The contract includes a release clause if Barcelona make an offer to Everton meeting certain requirements within the first two years, and Barcelona also have a right of first refusal if Everton decide to sell the player.
“Gerard needs no introduction to anyone here at Everton, for we are all well aware of his incredible footballing talent,” said Everton manager Roberto Martinez.
“We got to know him really well from his loan period, not only as such a talented player but also his great character. He will be a fantastic asset to our Club.”
Spaniard Deulofeu made 29 appearances during his first stint with Everton. He scored on his Toffees debut in the Capital One Cup against Stevenage and went on to net three times in the Premier League, including a memorable equaliser against Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium in December 2013.
Deulofeu spent the 2014/15 season on loan at Sevilla, where he played 28 times and helped the La Liga outfit win the Europa League.
A product of La Masia, Barcelona's famed youth system, Deulofeu rose through the ranks at the Nou Camp and played regularly for the Catalan giants’ ‘B’ team before progressing to make a handful of substitute appearances for Barca's senior side in the league, cup and Champions League.
He becomes Everton’s second signing of the summer following the recruitment of midfielder Tom Cleverley, who will also join at the start of next month when his contract with Manchester United expires.
Deal done at last
