Deulofeu completes his expected loan move to the Toffees.
Following an influx of ex-Wigan players Roberto Martinez has now secured the signing of young Barcelona winger Gerard Deulofeu on a season’s long loan from the Nou Camp.
The Catalans confirmed on their website that the 19-year-old would spend the 2013/14 campaign at Goodison Park having already impressed in Spain.
Last year saw Deulofeu play the majority of his matches in the Segunda Liga with Barcelona B, but along with 34 games for the second string side the Spaniard was also given the opportunity in four first team ties.
Former maverick manager Pep Guardiola gave the winger his debit for Barca back in 2011 and he has since made five more senior appearances for the La Liga champions.
Last season saw the Spain under-20 international in sparkling form, scoring 18 goals for Barca B before going onto star at the under-20 World Cup in Turkey.
Although Deulofeu’s side were eliminated after four matches, the winger managed two goals and a further assist at the tournament and will arrive on Merseyside brimming with talent.
Of course the Premier League is a completely different beast to the Spanish second tier and Martinez will be hoping his new young star adjusts to the pressure of football in England quickly.
Barca boss Tito Vilanova was keen for Deulofeu to gain first team experience this year and whilst some thought the winger should stay in Spain, clearly the English game was more desired.
The influence of Martinez and his Spanish connections probably played a big part in the deal going through as Tottenham Hotspur were also in the race.
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