Thursday 25 June 2015 17:16, UK
Everton have completed the permanent signing of winger Gerard Deulofeu from Barcelona.
The 21-year-old, who spent a season on loan at Goodison Park in 2013/14, will officially join on 1 July and has signed a three-year contract, with an option for an extra season.
Everton manager Roberto Martinez said: “Gerard needs no introduction to anyone here, for we are all well aware of his incredible footballing talent.
“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.
"Gerard considers Everton as home and we are getting an even more mature player now than he was a couple of seasons ago."
Deulofeu’s contract includes a release clause which kicks in if Barcelona make an offer to Everton meeting certain requirements within the first two years, and the Spanish side also have first refusal if Everton decide to sell.
Deulofeu impressed during his previous stint at Everton but then returned to Barca and subsequently spent time on loan at Sevilla.
He has represented Spain at multiple age-group levels, earning one cap for the senior side, and becomes Everton's second signing of the summer, following the capture of Tom Cleverley from Manchester United.
Deulofeu tweeted: "I'm back! Once a blue, always a blue!"
A product of Barcelona's famous academy La Masia, he made 29 appearances during his loan spell with Everton, scoring on his debut in the Capital One Cup against Stevenage, and netting three times in the Premier League.
Martinez 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.
"Our objective was to secure Tom and Gerard as quickly as we could and I'm really pleased this is exactly what we've done.
"Having done this now, we will have more time over the remainder of the window to carry on strengthening our squad, which is already strong, and we will use this time ahead of us well."
