Watford have completed the signing of Barcelona winger Gerard Deulofeu on a loan spell, according to latest Sky Sports. The loan deal will see the former Everton player return to the Premier League for the rest of the season.
A statement on the Barcelona website said: “FC Barcelona and Watford Football Club reach an agreement on the loan of Gerard Deulofeu until 30 June 2018. The agreement sees the English team cover his salary and a potential add-on of one million euros.”
Watford on their part were extremely happy to have brought in a talented young player to help the team in the final third. A Watford statement said: “Watford FC is delighted to confirm the loan signing of forwarding Gerard Deulofeu from FC Barcelona until the end of the season. Deulofeu is eligible to play a part against Stoke City on Wednesday evening having completed his move before Tuesday’s midday deadline.”
Gerard Deulofeu has been on the move since time immemorial. The talented Spanish winger promised a lot but has never been able to settle anywhere in his career. The Barcelona youth academy product failed to make a mark in his young days at the club and could not find a place in the side that many considered to be the best in world football at that time.
He was sent out on loan to Everton in 2013 for a season where he failed to impress. The next season saw him head to Sevilla on loan again where he had another disappointing spell and finally in the summer of 2015, he was brought back by Everton. In his two year spell, he failed to make it count and was sent out on loan for the last six months where his form took an upturn and he was immediately seized back by the Catalan giants who activated their buy-back clause for him last summer.
He has now joined Watford, having failed to cut an impression this time around as well at the club. He did not get enough game time despite Ousmane Dembele being out injured and with the arrival of Philippe Coutinho to Catalonia, the Barcelona board needed to make some room for the Brazilian and Deulofeu could have had to pack his bags yet again.
As for the Hornets, it has been only a few days since Watford decided to part ways with manager Marco Silva. The Hornets have moved swiftly and has appointed Javi Gracia as his successor. Gracia’s first assignment as Watford manager was this Saturday against Southampton in the FA Cup, which he ended up losing 1-0. With Deulofeu on board now, he will be hoping to get a win this time around.
Here is the strongest line up for Watford with Gerard Deulofeu in the side.
Formation: 4-3-3
Defence
Heurelho Gomes can be expected in goal. The centre backs are likely to be Christian Kabasele and Adrian Mariappa. Jose Holebas can play left back with Daryl Janmaat at right back.
Midfield
The midfield trio can be Abdoulaye Doucoure, Ben Watson and Etienne Capoue.
Attack
Andre Gray can lead the line with Richarlison to his left and Gerard Deulofeu to his right.
