Barcelona are in desperate need of wingers right now and its stands as their top priority going into the transfer window. Luis Enrique has rarely considered shuffling the attacking trio up front this season no matter how hectic the fixtures and one of the prime reason for that is their thin bench. Rafinha hasn’t been very impressive under Enrique and his lack of first team chances might lead him to find someplace else if needed; while Arda Turan hasn’t really settled in at Nou Camp since arriving in 2015.
Along with the departure of Enrique, there are also chances of many first team players leaving Nou Camp at the end of the season, and Barcelona wouldn’t want to have another transfer window failure. As per reports, the Catalans are keepings tabs on the situation of AC Milan winger Gerard Deulofeu.
Barca’s technical director, Roberto Fernandez, has revealed that the club could buy their academy product back for a fee of €12 million. The 23-year-old right winger has faded out a bit this season after a brilliant arrival to England with Everton.
Deulofeu didn’t start the season as Ronald Koeman’s first choice, but after the season-ending injury of Yannick Bolasie, the Spaniard had the perfect opportunity to make it his season. However, it didn’t pan out as expected as he failed to get even one goal or assist in the 11 outings given to him; and Everton were forced to loan him off last winter when AC Milan came calling.
He has since then made nine Serie A appearances for Milan scoring once and assisting thrice. His dazzling displays in Italy have led to a call-up for Spain’s matches against Albania and Israel. The National team’s coach, Julen Lopetegui, has been his coach in the Under-19s earlier, where he had netted five goals in 19 games, and has full faith in his potential.
Fernandez stated, “He didn’t play much at Everton while he’s doing well at Milan and he’s now even been called up to the national team…. This is good news for us because we can buy him back for €12 million. It’s good that we have this possibility.”
Coming through LA Masia academy and hogging all the limelight in the under-23 tournament scoring 27 goals and five assists, Deulofeu was a shocking failure in Barca’s first team. And after a few loan stints with Everton and Sevilla, he made a permanent move to Goodison Park in the summer of 2015.
Deulofeu could play on either flank and is known for his good pace and piercing passes. With Lionel Messi moving to a central role with age, Barca would definitely need someone potent to take that place; and who else can the Catalans rely on than a La Masia product?
