Everton: Gerard Deulofeu to join on permanent deal from Barcelona

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Gerard DeulofeuImage source, Getty Images
Image caption,

Gerard Deulofeu scored three goals in 15 games for Everton during his loan spell

Everton have re-signed Barcelona forward Gerard Deulofeu on a permanent basis after agreeing a £4.3m deal for the one-cap Spain international.

Deulofeu had a successful loan season at Everton in 2013-14 but spent much of the last campaign on the sidelines during a spell at Sevilla.

The 21-year-old has signed a three-year deal and will move on 1 July.

Everton boss Roberto Martinez believes Deulofeu can still develop into one of the game's outstanding young talents.

Image source, Twitter
Image caption,

Gerard Deulofeu posted on Twitter after his return to Everton was confirmed

He told Everton's website:, external "We are getting an even more mature player now than he was a couple of seasons ago and a player who considers Everton as home.

"This is why we are incredibly excited to have him back here on a permanent basis and to encourage him to grow, develop and mature his enormous talent."

Martinez forged a close relationship with the player during their season together and Deulofeu believes his countryman can revive his career.

He has turned down other more lucrative offers to return to Merseyside.

Personal terms have been agreed and it is believed Barcelona will insert a buy-back option into the deal for some future point should he develop as they once hoped.

Deulofeu will become Everton's second signing of the summer after England midfield man Tom Cleverley joined on a free transfer from Manchester United following a successful loan spell at Aston Villa.

Martinez said he was "really pleased" to complete the signings early in the transfer window.

He added: "It was always our intention to work extremely hard behind the scenes to get some really good business done early on during the transfer window."

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